“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you”. – Ephesians 4:29-32
LIGHT FOR NOW: Offense is a very bad state for any believer.
The believer must not bear grudges. We must refuse to hold on to issues and have things “against” others. By these, I mean things that will cause disaffection, break down communication, and create tension amongst fellow brethren. We are taught to forgive. Luke 17:3-4 “Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him”. This was even before the new creation was made manifest. In the epistles, we are to forgive without conditions. Ephesians 4:31-32 “Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you”.
This is the rule and principle in the new creation. It must be practiced because it is our nature. Ephesians 5:1-2 “Therefore be imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father]. And walk in love, [esteeming and delighting in one another] as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a slain offering and sacrifice to God [for you, so that it became] a sweet fragrance” (AMPC). Having said this, whenever we feel hurt by the actions of people and refuse to deal with it in love, we fall into the trap of offense. When offense sets in, then all other Siamese siblings of unforgiveness will have a free course. The offense is a very bad state for any believer. At times, we claim “I am so hurt and bitter; I don’t know how to forgive”. Not so! You are a child of God. If you can’t forgive, then you are not His child. Glory!
INSTRUCTION: Walk in the word.
CONFESSION: I am a child of God, I know how to forgive, and I refuse to bear grudges. I stay away from offense, in Jesus’ Name, Amen
QUOTE: The believer has a responsibility to live in his reality.
DAILY BIBLE READING: MORNING: LUKE CHAPTER 17; EVENING: EPHESIANS CHAPTER 5
LIGHT FROM THE WORD 