God.

When Paul says, “Don’t say unwholesome things,”
he’s reading half of the things my friends share on facebook.

When he says to get rid of bitterness, rage, and anger,
it’s clear he’s listening to how I respond to what they share.

Or maybe he’s listening to what I’ve been saying about people who haven’t seen the patients I’ve seen.

Or maybe it’s not Paul.

Maybe it’s you.

God, I confess that we are not kind and compassionate to one another,
forgiving each other the way you have forgiven us.

I confess that I say things that no one hears,
except maybe Nancy,
but that doesn’t mean I’m innocent of brutal condemnation of others.

As you well know.

Thank you for your forgiveness.

Help me follow your example.

Help us walk in the way of love.

Remind us that we are your dearly loved children.

And so are the people who frustrate us so much.

Give us your peace, we ask,

through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Reflecting on Ephesians 4:25-5:2