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A friend of mine sent me a meme saying: “Being taught to avoid talking about politics and religion, has led to a lack of understanding of politics and religion. What we should have been taught, was how to have a civil conversation about a difficult topic.”

We often avoid difficult topics in the hope that they will disappear into the mist. As my wife always says: “Things buried alive, stay alive”.

But we can’t accuse Paul of doing that. He’s not afraid to address any topic. Even those many don’t want to talk about. He is direct and wants his listeners to eradicate the wrong things from their lives: 3Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient; we were misled by others and became slaves to many evil pleasures and wicked desires. Our lives were full of resentment and envy. We hated others and they hated us.

It’s as if a list of wrong actions is put before us and we have to check which of them has become part of our lives again. Have we started looking at pictures? Do we hold a grudge against someone? Do I resent others?

We must constantly check ourselves to make sure that we have not allowed love to slip out the backdoor while hate enters by the front door. Remember, when love is gone, hate automatically fills the empty spaces.

Love is the glue that keeps people together and if it’s not there, they fall apart. As Mannetjies (not his real name) experienced personally:

We always say I have so much to be grateful for.

I have a lovely home and no mortgage.

My freezer is full.

My beautiful car is paid up.

My children are intelligent, educated and well-mannered.

I have a healthy business with a great turnover.

BUT MY WIFE DOESN’T LOVE ME!

How can you be positive? Because the love of your wife is much more important that all those things!

We must take care of the love in our relationships. We must make sure that it doesn’t leave, because the thing that comes in its place destroys. May God help us. May his Spirit help prevent us going back to our previous lives. May we receive Jesus’ forgiveness and share it wherever it is needed, because forgiveness drives out hate and makes space for love.

Scripture

Titus 3:3-7

Reflection

What wrong things are there in your life?

How can you get rid of them?

Where do you have to sow love?

Prayer

Father, please show me where I have allowed sin into my life. Please help me get rid of it and to live purely before You again. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

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Source by Gerjo Ben Van Der Merwe