Be a Pearl

"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you" (Eph. 4:32).

Let's take a lesson from an oyster. Oysters can actually turn little irritants such as: grains of sand, parasites, or food particles into pearls. Such irritants enter the oyster's shell uninvited and become trapped between their shell and mantle. The oyster then secretes layers known as mother-of-pearl, to cover and protect themselves from the invasive irritant.  Over time and discomfort to the oyster, these layers will harden into a pearl. The end result of the original irritant is beauty and individual rareness that is of great value and worth.

How can we learn from the oyster? We can start by forgiving others and then ourselves. As we forgive, we apply layers of love, understanding, and acceptance over hurts, grudges, regrets, and guilt. Through forgiveness, all that would negatively impact our health or the health of our relationships are healed. Beauty can now be seen from the uninvited trials or detours of our lives.

When an act of forgiveness seems out of our strength, or appears to be an irritant to us, we can call on a greater more powerful strength - the strength of the almighty, powerful God within us. Give all the forgiveness you can, even if it's only a little at a time. Know that out of negative experiences, you can build a pearl. Look to the greatest "pearl experience" of all time - Jesus Christ. He died for you! He gave it all for you. He forgave you of all your sins. He loves you, heals you, and gave you a beautiful spirit. You can then reveal your pearl-like self (Christ's example) to the world with your beauty and uniqueness in Christ. Live a life of forgiveness, wear your pearls of righteousness, and show others your value in Christ.

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (I John 1:9).

"In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace", (Eph. 1:7).

Heavenly Father, as we can see how one of Your small creations can create beauty from irritants, we know You are capable of turning our ashes into spectacular beauty. May your grace abound in us, Lord. Thank You for Jesus and the forgiveness we receive through His sacrifice on the cross. May we give the glory to You, Father, that You deserve by displaying a life of forgiveness to everyone in our lives. May our lives reflect that of Jesus Christ for others to see. In His Merciful Name we pray, Amen.

"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it" (Matt. 13:45-46, NKJV).