January 3rd

"Put away from you all bitterness and wrath and anger and wrangling and slander, together with all malice, and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you." Ephesians 4:31-32

in these times,

when we find it easier

to offer bitter bile

than kind words,

snarky responses

over tender whispers,

angry taunts as opposed

to gracious comments,

grudge laced grumbles

instead of grace's affirmations,

we show how we choose

to put away those around us

rather than drawing them

into love's embrace.

(c) 2023 Thom M. Shuman

Venmo: @Thom-Shuman