So put away all malice

and all deceit

and hypocrisy 

and envy

and all slander.

         1 Peter 2. 1

(We have the freedom

    to walk away from them,

to live without them,

to live differently,

and practice grace

              even in this.

Set these things

        out on the curb,

no longer wanted,

no longer needed,

     and live forgiven.

Carry instead 

  what makes for peace.

What are we

     bringing to the table?)

O LORD,

Wash over us,

sing over us Your grace,

teach us a new song

     with words of grace

         and healing

      and reconciliation.

Help us to

          not be distracted,

help us to not miss out

  on Your thriving in this

which is not limited 

                to us

but overflow 

    with Your goodness 

    for others.

May we be known

       by our love for You.