My grandfather farmed in Butler County all his life. Like other farmers in the early 20th century, he searched for every possible edge.

Papa trusted the advice of agriculture experts. Their suggestions usually worked to his advantage.

When agents recommended he plant kudzu to control hillside erosion, Papa bit. Kudzu did control erosion. Eventually, however, this invasive species overtook thousands of productive acres.

Kudzu came to America from Asia in 1876 for the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition. The Chinese used it to make herbal tea and paper. Kudzu based soaps, jellies and lotions still exist today.

The fast growing vines, however, can take down trees and overspread uncultivated property. Frost kills the vines, but not the roots. They live to sprout again.

A similar invasion takes place in the human heart. The Apostle Paul said sin entered the world through one person, but “death spread to all men, because all sinned” (Romans 5:12).

Sin unchecked results in the reproduction of evil that wrecks lives. Sin’s roots go deep. It might be controlled for a time by old fashioned determination or attempts to be good. Eventually, however, the roots of sin sprout again.

Only one method exists to kill the roots of sin–the forgiveness of God. Paul acknowledged God’s power to forgive sin through the work of Christ.

He urged folks to “consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive in God in Christ Jesus” (Romans 6:11).

Only the persistent application of forgiveness controls the multiplication of sin. What results from that reclamation effort?

Compassion replaces anger, kindness replaces vengeance, inner peace replaces turmoil, and thoughtfulness replaces selfishness.

God stands ready to apply forgiveness freely and regularly. Allow forgiveness to soak deep into your life. It works.

Darryl Wood is the pastor at the First Baptist Church in Vincent. He can be reached by e–mail at dwood132@fbcvincent.org.