"Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice." - Eph 4:31 ESV.
The arrival of the "Ber" months is eagerly anticipated by many, as it heralds the approach of one of the most significant holidays of the year - Christmas. In some places, there is even a countdown to the first of September, the first "Ber" month, rather than Christmas itself. For some, the Christmas season is seen merely as a business opportunity, but for others, it represents a profound spiritual opportunity.
Christmas is a time for giving and receiving love, wishing for peace among all people, and exchanging goodwill, often symbolized by the exchange of gifts among friends and family. Speaking of exchanges, not all exchanges are created equal. In some exchanges, both parties benefit equally, ensuring fairness. But there are situations where one party in the exchange doesn't need anything material and is more interested in the giving than in the receiving. This concept presents us with a one-of-a-kind opportunity we won't find or encounter anywhere.
As we enter this world, we are immediately introduced to its complexities and imperfections. From an early age, we encounter the twists and turns of life, imprinting into our very soul a distorted view of things as we cope. Some of us carry these imperfections within us, allowing bitterness, resentment, and past hurts to shape our adult dispositions. In my experience dealing with personal issues within the ministry, it's evident that nearly no one is exempt from these wrinkles of personality; every person carries at least two or more. This underscores the truth that no one is perfect. However, the good news is that no one is condemned to be forever burdened by their upbringing or past experiences. In every person's life, there comes a moment when they are presented with a tremendous opportunity for a transformative exchange, one where one party benefits more than the other. This exchange was offered and perfected on the cross.
When Jesus died on the cross, He bore the weight of humanity's sins. As 1 Peter 2:24 states, "He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness." The sins that Christ bore were our "gift" to Him, and in exchange, He offers us the gift of eternal life by grace through faith. In the words of Romans 6:23, "the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." This exchange is nothing short of miraculous.
But the concept of a great exchange doesn't end there. Another invitation for exchange is presented to us in the passage from Ephesians 4:31-32: "Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." This time, the initiative must come from us. God has already equipped us, as 2 Peter 1:3 tells us, "His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness." Now, it's our responsibility to use what God has given us to exchange our old, wrinkled, and distorted selves for renewed, upgraded, and more capable versions of ourselves.
Some might consider this exchange unfair. After all, Jesus willingly volunteered to do His part, motivated solely by love, not by what He could gain from the exchange. If personal gain had been His primary concern, He would not have prayed in anguish, "My Father...let this cup pass from me." (Matthew 26:39). He chose to do what He did so that we, the other party, could receive the better end of the deal and more.
So, why should we let this extraordinary exchange opportunity pass us by when countless benefits await? The decision is ultimately ours. Is there a better deal than exchanging bitterness for love or anger for forgiveness? Is there anything more valuable than trading anger and clamor for forgiveness? From where I stand, the only thing we "lose" in this exchange is the opportunity to cling to the past. Nothing more. The past is fixed and unchangeable, but the future offers boundless possibilities if we move towards it unburdened by the weight of the past. Ultimately, the choice to participate in this great exchange is yours to make.
To illustrate the power of this exchange, consider the story of Corrie ten Boom, a Christian who survived the Holocaust and forgave her captors. She once said, "Forgiveness is an act of the will, and the will can function regardless of the temperature of the heart." Corrie's ability to forgive the unforgivable shows us that even in the most dire circumstances, the exchange of bitterness and anger for forgiveness is possible.
So, how can we practically embrace this great exchange in our lives? Here are some actionable steps:
1. Self-Reflection: Take time to reflect on any bitterness, anger, or resentment you may be carrying. Acknowledge these emotions and their impact on your life.
2. Prayer: Turn to prayer as a means to seek God's guidance and strength in letting go of these negative emotions. Pray for the willingness to exchange them for love and forgiveness.
3. Seek Support: Don't hesitate to seek support from a trusted friend, family member, or therapist. Sharing your feelings can be a powerful step toward healing.
4. Forgive: Practice forgiveness, not just in words but in actions. Take steps to reconcile with those you may have conflicts with, and let go of grudges.
5. Cultivate Kindness: Actively cultivate kindness and compassion in your daily interactions with others. Small acts of kindness can have a profound impact on your own well-being and the well-being of those around you.
In conclusion, the "Ber" months and the approaching Christmas season serve as a reminder of the great exchange offered to us through Christ's sacrifice. It's a reminder that we have the power to exchange bitterness for love, anger for forgiveness, and resentment for peace. The choice to participate in this exchange is a deeply personal one, but the rewards are immeasurable. As you navigate the coming months and the challenges they may bring, remember that the power to exchange the old for the new lies within you. Will you choose to embrace this great exchange and step into a future unburdened by the past? The choice is yours to make, and the possibilities are limitless.
