Inside a neglected prayer booth behind my friend’s church, a plant had grown unnoticed. Taller than my head, it had lush green leaves and stems suffused with purple. Branch tips bore spikes of dark berries. It was pokeweed — beautiful, but toxic!

Our souls can also bear toxic fruit if left untended. The taste of gossip may seem sweet at first. The bitterness of resentment can be as habit-forming as strong coffee. Self-pity can twine itself up the walls of our hearts before we even notice, casting a shade over our days. Tiny seeds of irritation grow and branch, obscuring the light. Scripture warns against allowing a “root of bitterness” to grow. Instead, dwell on God’s grace, nurture thankfulness, and feed on God’s Word.