Morning rays tugged the shadows from the sleeping forms in the street. A wheel creaked...a dog barked. One of the shapes moved and sat up. "Hurry--it's the sin-monger!" she cried. Then, all around her they rose and waited until the creaking was incessant and the cart crept into view.
"Fresh bitterness! Fresh anger!" the sin-monger cried, but there was no need. Pushing and shoving, they grabbed for the dark, shriveled fruit, flinging their coins at the wizened man. Their teeth pierced and tore at the thorny,leathery rinds. Heedless of the rotten stench that enveloped them or the dark, sticky juice that stained their hands and faces,they ate until the cart was empty. Then, as the sin-monger slunk out of the village, they sat back, satiated, letting the fruit once again take effect...
We would never insert ourselves into this story. Yet, do we ever feed on the bitterness and anger of unresolved conflicts from the past? Though forgiveness was offered and even accepted, do we derive comfort or pleasure from chewing on things that can never be changed? Do we feel elevated above someone else when we reopen old wounds?
Yes--this does happen, for our hearts are deceitful and desperately wicked. Who wants to grant or ask for forgiveness or spread the healing balm of kindness when the bitterness gives so much more pleasure?
He has forgiven us for so much, hasn't He?
Eph. 4:29-32
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