25 "So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. 26 And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 for anger gives a foothold to the devil.
28 If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. 29 Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.
30 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.
31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you."
Continuing from Paul's admonition to live differently as a Christian than you would/did as a non-Christian, he gives practical examples. For me, verses 26 and 27 have been very impactful because, being a passionate person, I have a tendency to allow my anger to get out of control sometimes. I find wisdom in what Paul says here too, because often times when I allow something I'm angry about to sit and fester within me for a long time instead of addressing it quickly (I think it's possible that Paul could be using the illustration 'before the sun sets' as a way of emphasizing not letting something fester for a long time, but it very well could mean a literal day as well...lol), it tends to control me by dampening my day. Isn't it crazy to thing that by living our lives in ways that don't honor God or conform to the ways that He expects from us, we bring sorrow to God's Holy Spirit? I think that verses 31 and 32 provide an excellent summary that it might be good for us to memorize and keep in mind each day of our lives.
"Father thank You for Jesus! I pray that we would never grieve Your Spirit, but that we would conform our lives to the pattern set before us by Your Son Jesus. May we always have kind words to show to one another, and may we be sources of strength for one another whenever we need it most. We love You and we desperately need You! It's in Jesus' name I pray, amen!"
Just to start by saying this verse is not unfamiliar to me. I had used this verse many times since I had came across it, and every time it has been humbling. Verses 25-27 are important because not only do they show you what such pain can do by letting it go, but it starts by explaining that we must not lie about who we are or what we believe. It is easy to understand that we must not let our anger get the best of us, but to realize that we must also be true to ourselves. But Pat I am still here reading these. Every evening, I missed Thursday so did double reading last night, and just read this one again!! Even though I'm no longer a Lock Haven student I enjoy reading these. Where are you headed after Ephesians? I am in Phillipians myself.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you're enjoying it man! I'm glad you and Luke and the others who are 'too shy to post'... ;)... are a part of this s well!! =) I'm not sure where we'll go next. We might take a stab at an Old Testament book, but it depends on if anyone on here has a major objection to that or I feel led a different direction. =)
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