Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. – Romans 13:10
Talking on the phone to my grandson while he was recuperating from a nasty cold, I asked if he had sent his “bugs” to me because I was now sick too. His reply was, “No, someone who doesn’t love you did!” That was his indirect way of saying he would not do that because he loves me. His comment reminded me that the Lord doesn’t send “bugs” my way either, because He loves me!
In a spiritual sense, there are many different kinds of “bugs.” These could be bugs of gossiping, of complaining, of slothfulness, or any other ploy that Satan tries to trap us with. Like a physical virus, these may seem harmless and insignificant at first, but when allowed to develop, they can quickly make our souls very ill.
These bugs do not come from the Lord, but the cure does! We can look to Him for an “antibiotic” that will heal whatever spiritual illness the enemy may be trying to attack us with. And just as it takes an effort to stay physically healthy, it also takes action on our part to stay spiritually healthy. Reading His Word and spending time in prayer, for example, will build up our spiritual immune systems. When the promises of God are in our hearts and His commandments are in our thoughts, those bugs will not stand a chance of invading our souls. Also, I have found it is healthier to avoid conversations where bugs of gossip, or complaints about others are being spread. Reducing exposure helps protect my spiritual wellbeing.
My grandson’s comment warmed my heart, and I thank the Lord that He blessed me with His love-bug through a little child that day. Now it is up to me to share it with others! Let us all determine to resist the bad bugs that the devil would have us fall prey to, and instead cultivate love and joy in our souls—which can help promote good health in those around us.