"For he is like a refiner's fire and like fullers' soap."

 - Malachi 3

One of the most distressing things about the human experience, is our out-of-control thoughts. Our words are bad enough. But the things that go on in our minds; the thoughts that are only known by yourself. Those dark, horrible things that you consider, that you ponder on. The hate, the violence.

I believe that every single person thinks these thoughts. When a person says, in jest "I ought to kill you!" we take it innocently enough. But really, should such a thought ever be entertained, even if there is no chance it will be taken seriously?

I have observed restless people with nothing to do. We pelt our minds with constant images, sounds, and stimuli. We do not like being left alone to our own thoughts. We engage in hate on social media, because we cannot bear the self-reflection that tells us how horrible we are, because our thoughts are horrible. We seek, and find, solace in the affirmation we get from others that also hate.

We don't think, or speak, as people that are comfortable with themselves. We do not like our thoughts, and we so all the wrong things to control them.

In this context, we should come face to face with the Refiner. I can bear myself if I know that one day God Himself will completely incinerate the evil that permeates my psyche. If can just be like Christ: with the purest thoughts, the kindest regard toward others, and the warmest sense of presence, anywhere, then I will be fine.

As eternal beings with unlimited resources and unending life, there is no reason for us to hate. With perfect knowledge of everything, we would know everybody fully, and see that there is really nothing there to resent.

But to make sure we become truly pure, God destroys the evil within us. He burns it away, and boils it off the top.

That alone, puts my thoughts at ease. That promise, and that assurance, are the coals thrown upon the Refiner's fire, that makes the flame hotter yet.