Of Specks and Logs

Part of the lesson I read aloud today:

Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with which you were marked with a seal for the day of redemption. 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.

In these politicized times, we like to point out how angry and maniacal the other guy is. But Paul's words are meant as a reminder to ourselves, not as a scold for others.

(Related - Rule 6 of Jordan Peterson's Rules for Life: Set your house in perfect order before you criticise the world.)

Organizer Shelley with some of the backpacks blessed today.

On a happier note, this was the first year our church participated in a backpack drive for foster kids at the beginning of the school year.

The goal was to collect 25, but we actually received 40 backpacks, plus supplies and cash donations, not bad for a congregation with 70-80 attendees every Sunday.