In preparation for the Feast of Unleavened Bread they would sweep and clean every nook and cranny of their homes. Even the tiniest bread crumb had to be removed. (Exodus 12:14-17) There could be no leaven or yeast in the house during Passover or the Feast of Unleavened Bread. Leaven or yeast is a metaphor for sin. Leaven represents the pride and arrogance that causes people to feel they have no need for God. To welcome the mercy of the Lord and His presence and glory into their lives there had to be a putting away and cleansing from the defilement of all sin.

This spring I look forward to cleaning out my garage and removing the junk and dirt that has accumulated over the winter. But a spiritual spring cleaning does not have to wait until spring. Much illness, such as high-blood pressure, ulcers, depression, anxiety, and a joyless life, could be remedied by a spring cleaning. A new freshness is ushered in and a restored closeness and power with God. Health for spirit, soul, and body is renewed.

Put into practice this powerful principle of spring cleaning. “And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. Get rid of ALL bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as ALL types of evil behavior. Instead be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:30-32 NLT).

I don’t want to grieve the Holy Spirit. I value and need His presence in my life too much. The things listed in that scripture verse will cause the Holy Spirit to be quenched or to leave His anointing and blessing off your life. What is the answer to a spiritual healthy and vital life? Do a daily spring cleaning. Remove ALL of these things through repentance and forgive others “Just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”

In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus gave us this imperative to pray, “And forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who have sinned against us” (Matthew 6:12 NLT). Jesus then amplifies the necessity of forgiving others, “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive you” (Matthew 6:14-15 NLT).

If you are having a hard time forgiving someone, I recommend R. T. Kendall’s powerful book Total Forgiveness. Bitterness and un-forgiveness will poison your life and those around you. (Hebrews 12:14-15) How and why do we forgive? Forgive “just as God through Christ has forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:32).

Do you need real joy and a zest for living? Do a spiritual spring cleaning. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (I John 1:7-9)