“You are the salt of the earth,” and “the light of the world.” (Matt. 5:13,14); “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.” (Eph. 4:31)
Heavenly Father, as your Gospel-cherished, Spirit-indwelt children, these Scriptures grab our attention and arrest our hearts. We’re immersed in a culture of unhinged “malice,” unfiltered “brawling”, and weaponized “bitterness.”
It grieves your heart, and it should sadden us as well. We’re to be different, and offer a better way. We’re not to mirror our culture, but offer a redemptive alternative. You’ve called us to be salt and light—offering your healing presence and the light of the Gospel.
Father, grant us wisdom, strength and plenty of grace. May the fire in our bones be the purifying fire of your Spirit—compelling us to make much of Jesus, less of ourselves, and more of our neighbors.
Help us pull up every root of resentment, bitterness, and spite, growing in the garden of our hearts (Heb. 12:15). Replace them with fresh “shoots” of humility, gentleness, and kindness.
In these coming fall months, use us to write stories of “Kingdom-come,” with the ink of grace and the hope of Jesus’ return. Knowing there’s a Day coming when your will will be done “on earth, as in heaven,” helps us immensely. So very Amen we pray, in Jesus’ tender and triumphant name.
