Verse of the Day 8/12

Through the Bible - Psalms 84-86, I Peter 2

 

If you've been following the news lately, you've probably heard reports that the approval ratings for Congress have been at an all time low.  The main reason for this is that they haven't been getting things done.  It seems like they just can't get along.  But why is that? 

The close of Ephesians chapter 4 gives us a pretty good snapshot as to the reason for the dysfunction.  We see in Congress the things that Paul tells the church that we are to put away.

 

³¹Let all bitterness and indignation and wrath (passion, rage, bad temper) and resentment (anger, animosity) and quarreling (brawling, clamor, contention) and slander (evil-speaking, abusive or blasphemous language) be banished from you, with all malice (spite, ill will, or baseness of any kind).  Ephesians 4:31 Amplified Bible (AMP)

 

For today's verse we'll go to the verse that follows which tells us

 

Ephesians 4:32  Amplified Bible (AMP)  And become useful and helpful and kind to one another, tenderhearted (compassionate, understanding, loving-hearted), forgiving one another [readily and freely], as God in Christ forgave you.

 

The person that takes on these qualities, becomes known for them, applies them, lives them will go a lot further in reaching people.

 

We won't get along with everyone, but we can show kindness, we can be tenderhearted, forgiving, even to people with an opposing view.  If they speak evil of you don't strike back with barbs of your own.  Take the high road.  It will go a long way.

 

1 Thessalonians 5:15 New King James Version (NKJV)  ¹⁵ See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all. 

 

Do you find yourself all too often in the fray?  Make a clean break today. 

 

Make a clean break with all cutting, backbiting, profane talk. Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you. - Ephesians 4:32 - The Message

Say only what helps, each word a gift.  (v.29)

 

What would things look like in Congress, at work, in the church and at home?

In Christ,
Mike

 

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Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace  NIV

Ephesians 4:29-32

The Message (MSG)

 ²⁹Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word a gift.

 ³⁰Don't grieve God. Don't break his heart. His Holy Spirit, moving and breathing in you, is the most intimate part of your life, making you fit for himself. Don't take such a gift for granted.

 ^31-32Make a clean break with all cutting, backbiting, profane talk. Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you.