“Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. All of you, take up My yoke and learn from Me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for yourselves. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
You know, when you see a banana with a brown patch, it’s more than just a blemish. It’s actually a science lesson. You see, when a banana is dropped or bumped, the cells inside are broken. And this releases an enzyme called polyphenol oxidase. When that enzyme meets oxygen, it creates a brown pigment called melanin. And that’s why a bruise shows up right where the impact happened.
The banana is still the same fruit, it just looks different in that one spot. Sometimes it even tastes sweeter there because the bruising speeds up the sugar changes. But it is a sign. Bananas bruise easily and bruises spread quickly. So here’s how you take care of your bananas. Don’t stack heavy things on them or toss them around. They bruise too easily.
A bruised banana is not to be thrown away or discarded. It still has value and can be used in smoothies, baking, or frozen for later. Whenever you see bruising, let it remind you that bananas — and people — are delicate. We are all prone to hurts, fears, and insecurities. And there’s another lesson here to learn. People are really, truly like bananas.
We bruise easily. How we talk to, about, and treat one another matters a lot. In fact, practicing self-control in our current culture, instead of saying and doing things we feel in anger would really help — help others to remain ripe and un-bruised. Do you think maybe we could start deciding to treat people carefully? What do you think? Don’t toss others around or mistreat them.
Don’t stack heavy labels or accusations on them. Don’t toss them around with words of hatred, harsh judgment, or gossip. Remember the Eighth Commandment, “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.” Speak well about others. Give them the benefit of the doubt. Protect their reputation and well-being. Remember that a bruised person is not to be thrown away. Don’t be quick to dismiss someone who’s hurting.
Instead, recognize their strengths, their value, and their potential. Sometimes this potential is made even clearer through their bruises. And most importantly, may all of us be reminded when we see bruising on bananas, or other people, that our greatest need is Jesus. When you see bruising in fruit or in life, remember that all of us are sheep prone to fears, insecurities, hurts, and threats.
That’s why Scripture says of Jesus, “When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” Perhaps, maybe in this modern way that we’re using this idea of bananas bruising, Jesus looked out and He saw people who were bruised. People who needed to be cared for. If you’re feeling bruised this weekend, know this — Jesus sees you, He hears your cries. He counts your tears. His heart is heavy for the bruising and brokenness that you are feeling and going through. And even when life’s journey takes us through the valley called the Shadow of Death, remember we need not fear. For He is not just our shepherd. He’s our Good Shepherd. He comforts us. That’s who He is. And He will see us into salvation.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for reminding us that we bruise easily and so do others. Forgive us for the times we have bruised others with words or actions. Teach us self-control. Patience. Kindness. Heal the hurts in our hearts and especially those in our nation right now. Bring an end to the anger and division in this country and unite us in peace. And thank You for the bruises You took on the cross so that we might be whole, ripe, and ready for eternal life with You. In Your Holy Name we pray, Amen.
Stay encouraged!
Pastor Mike
