The Feeling of Cleanliness

You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.”

John 15:3

While organizing my utility closet, I discovered a forgotten stash of cleaning rags. I immediately moistened one and wiped a dusty bench returning its paint to the original sheen. That same day, I weeded my garden and collected fallen limbs before showering away the days’ grime.

Jesus spoke to His disciples about cleanliness when He said, “You are already clean because of the words I have spoken to you (John 15:3). Even though Jesus spoke figuratively about the cleanliness of a pruned vine that produces fruit, the word prompted me to label an unfamiliar, subtle emotion—cleanliness.

Ongoing contact with a narcissist produced toxic waste within me: dis-ease, false guilt, a sense of failure, distress over not measuring up, anxiety, and depression. The accumulation of negative emotions weighed heavily upon me, and I felt emotionally “dirty.”

I do not know how or when this renewal began. Perhaps these toxic wastes gradually departed as I identified, exposed, and released each one. I do know, however, that I thoroughly embrace this brand-new feeling of cleanliness!

Father, I marvel at Your gentle, transformative touch. Perhaps feeling clean is part of feeling at peace, knowing You are in control of my life and my healing. Increase my awareness to Your ways as I read Your Word and spend time with You in prayer. I pray in the name of the source of all peace and cleansing, Jesus, amen.

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