Instructions for the journey

After Ephesians 4:17-32

They’re straightforward,

these instructions for

the journey underway:

 

Speak truth to your neighbor,

because you then speak

truth to yourself.

 

Be angry but don’t sin;

don’t let the sun set

on your anger.

 

Don’t let the thief

keep stealing; let him work

so he can share.

 

Stifle those corrupt words;

instead, build up and

encourage (imparting grace).

 

Don’t grieve the Spirit,

who sealed you (yes, you)

for redemption.

 

Put away: bitterness,

wrath, anger, clamor,

slender, malice.

 

Instead: be kind,

of tender heart, and 

forgive as you were

forgiven.

 

Photograph by Joel Drzycimski via Unsplash. Used with permission.

What you've learned

After Ephesians 4:17-32

What you’ve learned,

assuming you’ve heard

anything at all,

assuming you were taught

anything at all,

is this:

 

Discard the old self,

owned by the past,

corrupted by desires,

and

embrace the new self,

with renewed minds,

accepting the image

in which you were made,

for which you were meant,

the life to which you

were called, a life

of righteousness, a life

of holiness.

 

Photograph by John Schnobrich via Unsplash. Used with permission.

Old walk, new walk

After Ephesians 4:17-32

Old walk: futility of mind.

New walk: purpose, clarity.

 

Old walk: darkened understanding.

New walk: light in a dark place.

 

Old walk: alienated ignorance.

New walk: engaged relationship.

 

Old walk: callousness of heart.

New walk: compassionate education.

 

Old walk: sensuality and greed.

New walk: purity and charity.

 

Photograph by George Bakos via Unsplash. Used with permission.