Good Soil

Read Matthew 13:3-9, 36-42

See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springs up and causes trouble, and through it many become defiled.
-Hebrews 12:15 (NRSV)

WEEDING my small front garden is sometimes difficult and tedious. However, one evening, I found the soil dry and powdery, giving way quickly as I pulled each weed. Soon I had cleared the whole area of weeds. The condition of the soil made a big difference. When the soil is soft, the weeds can be pulled quickly and thrown away.

Sometimes we find something like weeds growing in our hearts. Someone says a hurtful word, and we say we will never forget the pain. A person we trust lies to us, and we decide not to trust anyone ever again.

However, when we spend time each day reading the scriptures and praying, our hearts become soft, like that soil in my garden. When problems arise, we can recognize them for what they are, and when bitterness tries to "take root," we can firmly but gently remove it from our hearts.

Mary Ellen Main (Oklahoma, U.S.A.)
Prayer
Lord, please keep our hearts prepared to serve you. In Jesus' name. Amen.