The garbage truck

Recently I was riding down Main Street on my way to work and smelled that awful smell of a garbage truck, even though none was in sight.  This got me thinking of the way the smell lingers long after the garbage truck has pulled away.

Life can be like that too.  Harsh words, abrupt answers, indifference, criticism; all these can leave behind a stench that affects others in a very negative way.  Maybe I’ve just had a bad day.  Does that give me the right to take it out on someone else?  Does that give me an open door to making someone else feel inferior?  Does what I say leave behind a smell that lingers long after I’ve left the room?

Jesus wants us to love one another.  The bible says that if I do not have love, even though I may have other good qualities, I am nothing!  Nothing!!  In fact, the bible says I am “only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.”  Now there is some left-behind garbage!!

I Corinthians 13, the love chapter, shows us how to love others, shows us the importance of love above all other things.  “Love is patient, love is kind.  It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

Lord, help us not to leave behind the smell of garbage in our lives, but instead help us to love others and leave behind a sweet smelling aroma!!  We know that this is pleasing to You and edifying to others.  Thank you Lord for loving us, even when we don’t deserve it!

 

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