Walking along the grass in my yard, I saw it and it saddened me. The “It” I saw was a bare spot in an otherwise green expanse of green grass. Three months earlier, tubing in the riding mower had become detached and gasoline had spilled into the soil.  While it wasn’t my fault, I saw it happen and wasn’t sure how to respond. And the effects of the gasoline’s toxicity could still be seen today.  A place where now no growth occurred and no life was found.

Our world, even our churches, have some of these bare spots. Corners where toxic words of hate, distrust, prejudice, injustice spill out and steal the life from those around us. In my own experience, there have been times that a toxic situation has made parts of my spirit bare and empty of a peace that blooms or a hope that sprouts up. 

Toxic situations we encounter begin with the spilling of sin into our lives, which easily spills over into others. Anytime one uses words or actions brings out the worst in us  a toxic spill occurs; likewise, any time we do that to one another, the ground of our soil is saturated by words that steal our joy, actions that kill our hope, and even intentions that destroy the church God created. The bare spot still in my yard is a reminder that while I can’t change the fact that the spill occurred, healing can happen.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I (Jesus) have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10: 10) Jesus can take those bare spots in our soul and spirit created by toxic situations, hurtful words, and damaging action and He alone can bring life.

That bare spot on the lawn will see life again – eventually. First, returning life giving nutrients to the soil takes time.  Second, the process can be helped by digging down until you no longer smell gasoline and then dig that many inches of the soil up , replacing the damaged soil with fresh sand. The sand will play its absorptive role while acting as a buffer between the topsoil and any residual gasoline. Add a little fertilizer and moisten the soil with water. 

 And third, add sprigs of certain types of grass known to thrive in harsh situations. Yes, even what is seen as a weed can help bring about growth in a spot left for dead.

Time. Patience. Loving Care. The same directions apply for how followers of Christ are called to heal the toxic areas in our world, our community and in our relationship that have left dead spots. However, we can not be complacent when we see the effects of words that have hurt, actions that have wounded, and spiritual health has turned to an unhealthy state. 

It has been said, “hurt people hurt people.” The truth of these words are seen all around us in our current season – and not just in one spot. We can bemoan the situation or, as Jesus followers, we be like Jesus and address the existence of the damage to our human soul.

In John 3:17, Jesus said, “ For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” Save, not condemn. Redeem, not discard. Engage, not ignore. 

I’ve left that spot in the yard bare long enough. In this case, I didn’t cause it but I didn’t tend to it. Now is time I help heal the damage. The same applies to the world around me.