Roots

If you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it. Genesis 4:6b (NIV)

A news story captured my attention recently—not that it was unique: a young man gunned down in the street, another young life wasted. But was it really a waste?

His mother’s response captivated me. Of course she grieved for her son and desired justice; but her son had loved people so she determined to show love, even in the cloud of darkness that must surely have threatened to engulf her. She would not allow hate to take root in her heart.

Their story made me ponder. Why do we do what we do? There are many things I have never done and probably never will do; things like taking a life, committing fraud, or robbing a bank. I have, however, thought evil of others, lied, and coveted. It made me realize that no matter how insignificant or horrifying a sin might seem, its root is the same.

My thoughts wandered to another story. A Father’s Son hung on a cross. Was His Son’s life wasted? He loved too, crying out for His Father to forgive—but forgive whom? Did He plead for those who physically nailed Him there, or me? After all, He sacrificed Himself for my sin so that the seed of righteousness could take root in my heart and produce the fruit of the Spirit.

Lord, comfort and bless the woman who lost her son. Let Your love shine in her situation, touching even the hardest of hearts. Help us follow her example, weeding out those things that threaten our faith. Help our roots go deep and water them with your word so we will grow in truth.

© 2012 Katherine A. Fuller