I tested positive for sin.
I could no longer hide
the pride and greed and lust
polluting my soul,
disregarding and disobeying God,
poisoning my relationships.
I tested positive for grace.
Like yeast permeating the dough,
grace slowly and silently
softened thoughts and attitudes,
melted my vain arrogance
and stanched the flow
of selfishness and spite.
l tested positive for love.
The grace-filled, nurturing Spirit
birthed the budding fragrance
of joy and peace, unfolded
the blossoms of patience,
kindness, and goodness,
then yielded the mature fruit:
faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
