The Dust Storm

"But I tell you that men will have to give account on the Day of Judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned." (Matt 12:36-37 NIV)

"For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks." (Matt 12:34 NIV)

When I opened my mouth, out spilled anger, resentment and accusations. They came rolling out like a dust storm, blowing out the dirt from the very bottom of my heart; wounded and hurting. Instead of being whisked away with the breeze, the dirt settled back down and covered me with its suffocating dusty coat.

Could the sweeper draw this dirt away from me? No. Could water wash it all away? No. What would then? Only forgiveness could take it away, with its spiritually fortified, dissolving power. I poured in forgiveness, letting it settle and sit in the bottom recesses of my dying soul. Its scouring power slowly dissolved the anger, the resentment and accusations.

Compassion, love and mercy soon filled me and flowed freely from my mouth. They were like bursts of light radiating from the bottom of my heart; recovered and joyful. The light encircled me like the warm sunshine on a sunny, spring day.

The dust storm was overcome by the light and ceased to exist. Forgiveness triumphed once again!

'If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9 NIV)

"Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." (Col 3:13 NIV)