“Now it’s time to be made new by every revelation that’s been given to you. And to be transformed as you embrace the glorious Christ-within as your new life and live in union with him! For God has re-created you all over again in his perfect righteousness, and you now belong to him in the realm of true holiness. So discard every form of dishonesty and lying so that you will be known as one who always speaks the truth, for we all belong to one another. But don’t let the passion of your emotions lead you to sin! Don’t let anger control you or be fuel for revenge, not for even a day. And never let ugly or hateful words come from your mouth, but instead let your words become beautiful gifts that encourage others; do this by speaking words of grace to help them. Lay aside bitter words, temper tantrums, revenge, profanity, and insults. But instead be kind and affectionate toward one
another.” Ephesians 4:23-26, 29, 3 l-32a TPT
Words are simply a combination of letters assembled together as a way of communicating. Anger is a strong feeling of displeasure, or hostility. Both of which can so often cause either pain or peace, within the relationships we share with our families and our friends, even to include our Lord, Jesus. We all experience circumstances where anger tends to creep in, and where words, if left unchecked, can cause division.
In this passage, the Apostle Paul is explaining how our lives are made new within every circumstance, as we continue to live in union with Christ as our Savior. Instead of giving in to anger, where hurtful words could easily be said, he tells us to listen and act as the Holy Spirit leads. Living a life pleasing to our Lord is a process, that of staying true to His Word, and listening as the Holy Spirit speaks. Since we belong to Him, imagine being re-created all over again into his perfect righteousness, all for the asking!
Heavenly Father, help us to remember, that in your love for us, you made a way for us to grow, learning how to deal with our anger, while using our words for peace, and be ever so thankful.
In Christ Love
Margaret
Thank you for this reminder of how words have the power to encourage and lift up or discourage and tear down. And thank you, Margret for your faithfulness in writing your devotions. Even when you are down, you continue to lift us up and encourage us. Praying that you are also lifted up and that you shall be relieved of your pain, that your complete healing, in the name of Jesus is being completed in your body right now. Be restored and refreshed in Jesus’s holy and powerful name. Amen 🙏