An apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. If only all apples were good, and all trees were rooted in uprightness and kindness. If only this message brought more joy; I truly wish it did. However, life encompasses both good and bad experiences, and ignoring either is not authentic. Many can relate to the unfortunate events that befall good people. I’m sharing my own struggles, likened to an apple in a parable, to express what’s weighing on my heart, as I often lack the means to shout about it from the mountaintops.

During this stage of my life—and particularly over the last decade—many terrible things have happened and are still unfolding, events beyond my control. All I can do is hold onto the hope that people will change, as the scripture suggests, yet His hand is stretched out still.

Isaiah 9:12 : “For all this, his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still.”

Not all apples are sweet. You’ve encountered both sweet and bitter ones, and I bet you can recall a memorable experience with a bad apple. The bitterness can be overwhelming. When I think of a bad taste in my mouth, I am reminded of the apple from the Disney story, Snow White. The witch dipped the apple in a green poison filled with envy, greed, pride, wrath, and lust—desiring what isn’t rightfully hers and being willing to do anything to obtain it. She has evil plans, constantly conspiring and watching. Her story is a tragic one, and while I hope her reign of destruction comes to an end, they keep producing sequels.

I’ve never liked villains, whether in movies, storybooks, or even in real life. Growing up in a household with both parents in law enforcement, I heard many stories and learned that some people are just really good at being really bad.

It’s a shame that an entire lifetime can be spent suffering while opportunities for healing and growth diminish. It could have been glorious if those bad apples had turned over a new leaf and become really good at being good. How amazing our world would be if our orchard were abundant with healing and innocence, filled with righteousness, allowing good things to happen to good people—how about them apples? Unfortunately, the Lord allows some to ripen in iniquity, and those suffering must simply endure.

Mirror Mirror On The Wall

What causes someone to develop and master negative traits? Are they born “bad apples,” or do they learn these behaviors due to poor parenting? Could it be generational? Perhaps a tragic event occurred, and they never received the help they needed, so they pass on that pain to others.

While DNA can only change if one desires it to, it can be influenced positively or negatively. The impact of DNA is also generational, with traits, mannerisms, and behaviors often imprinted on offspring. Unfortunately, the saying “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree” holds true, as these influences can carry through generations.

However, change is possible when a person finds themselves in a different environment. For some, it may take time to discover how they want to contribute to the world—whether for better or worse. Some may come into life with emotional damage, while others may end up falling and failing to move forward.

Take One Bite

I have never grasped how one can be such a bad apple. I cannot imagine how that must feel, always wanting and willing to do whatever it takes to gain, even at the cost of others. People like this are master planners, calculating, a wolf in sheep’s clothing. The master calculator settles for subtle ways to deceive the weak. In doing so, the weaker apples under its rule and reign follow suit as she facilitates and even encourages bad behavior. No limits are an evil thing. Teaching how to manipulate others wreaks havoc on the innocent. Nonetheless, the innocent hope and pray for all evil to see and desire the light.

What should good people do when faced with challenges? In this life, we must endure some unpleasantness to truly appreciate the good; I believe this to be true. However, life cannot be entirely filled with difficulties; one must find joy and live life to its fullest. So when life gives you lemons or bad apples, focus on what you can control. Ultimately, our fate rests in the Lord’s hands; as it is said, with just a glance from His eye, He can bring one down to the dust.
In the end, the Anti-Christ will be destroyed, and none will suffer from him again. This is the time to uplift others, love, serve, and share light and truth. We should live according to Christ’s teachings so we may all return to Him. While on Earth, we are to fulfill the will of the Father, who is good and righteous. Christ has a singular focus: to glorify the Father. Therefore, there is no place for evil or wrongdoers. In the end, with just a single word from our Savior Jesus Christ, the Anti-Christ will be cast out. The Lord and Savior will also make those accountable for all the wrongdoings they have inflicted on others, such as lying, cheating, stealing, and controlling. Then, all tears will be wiped away. So, oh ye wicked and perverse, this is the time you must repent, cease harm, ask for forgiveness, and become new in Christ. If one does not change ways, they will be removed from all wrongdoing, which will not be beneficial because this life is a preparation for the next. The only way to break the evil cycle is to distance yourself from negative influences, reprogram your mindset, seek transformation, and surround yourself with good people. You must find the light through Christ. Change your story while you still have time; that time is now.

If a person doesn’t stand for something, they risks falling for anything. Being lukewarm leads to destruction, and remaining in limbo is detrimental. It is far worse for those who know what is right but choose to do nothing than those who have never encountered the truth. Too many people suffer because of the inaction of others who fail to stand up for the truth, love, the gospel of Christ, and the condemnation of unrighteous acts. Let this serve as your reminder. The time to take action is now.

Don’t Let One Bad Apple Spoil the Barrell

We all encounter bad apples who have harmed our lives, whether in the past or present. I pray that they cease their wrongdoing. While no one can completely escape the evils of this world, I hope and pray that suffering will soon come to an end. For those who find themselves caught up in negativity, I urge you to wake up and escape before it’s too late. Leave behind the lies and embrace the truth; it will set you free.

Apples falling from the tree should be good, leaving a sweet taste in our mouths, a clear mind, and a full heart. It’s easy to feel the impact of someone else’s harm, and it’s truly sad that anyone could be so selfish. Therefore, let us steer away from such negativity. Open your eyes and seek the truth, find joy in righteous living, speak kindly, and strive to be a good apple. When someone asks, “How about them apples?” let it be a cheerful response that embodies the light we share.

Only then can we all live Apple-ly ever-after.

Let the essence of your soul be positive, and health will radiate, making this life sweet.

Thank you for reading. I hope we can all find healing together as we endure some of life’s difficult moments. Please comment and share how you have overcome unfortunate challenges. I appreciate your support.