EPHESIANS 4: 32...
Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.
Be ye kind one to another. This sets forth the principle of love in the heart, and the outward expression of it, in a humble, courteous behaviour.
Mark how God's forgiveness causes us to forgive. God forgives us, though we had no cause to sin against him. We must forgive, as he has forgiven us. All lying, and corrupt communications, that stir up evil desires and lusts, grieve the Spirit of God. Corrupt passions of bitterness, wrath, anger, clamour, evil-speaking, and malice, grieve the Holy Spirit. Provoke not the holy, blessed Spirit of God to withdraw his presence and his gracious influences. The body will be redeemed from the power of the grave at the resurrection day. Wherever that blessed Spirit dwells as a Sanctifier, he is the earnest of all the joys and glories of that redemption day; and we should be undone, should God take away his Holy Spirit from us.
When we are not thinking, acting, or reacting in LOVE, there arises more, and multiple problems, troubles, traps, and dangers, as err finds it's way easily into the mind, and the heart...
The world is nearly hissing! More and more people are aggressive, disrespectful, disregarding the feelings, and rights of others, angry, frustrated, and well, there is tension everywhere---
Gone are the days of being taught manners, ethics, courtesy's, and otherwise being shaped to treat other people with dignity, and as if they mattered! There is a strange trend of being rude, snappy, and even downright mean to others, which isn't helping the state the world is in, and SURELY is NOT aligned with the WILL OF *GOD*!!!
JAMES 1: 19-21...
19+++This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger;
20+++for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.
21+++Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.
And if men would govern their tongues, they must govern their passions. The worst thing we can bring to any dispute, is anger. Here is an exhortation to lay apart, and to cast off as a filthy garment, all sinful practices. This must reach to sins of thought and affection, as well as of speech and practice; to every thing corrupt and sinful. We must yield ourselves to the word of God, with humble and teachable minds. Being willing to hear of our faults, taking it not only patiently, but thankfully. It is the design of the word of God to make us wise to salvation; and those who propose any mean or low ends in attending upon it, dishonour the gospel, and disappoint their own souls.
But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth.
It is our duty to mortify our members which incline to the things of the world. Mortify them, kill them, suppress them, as weeds or vermin which spread and destroy all about them. Continual opposition must be made to all corrupt workings, and no provision made for carnal indulgences. Occasions of sin must be avoided: the lusts of the flesh, and the love of the world; and covetousness, which is idolatry; love of present good, and of outward enjoyments. It is necessary to mortify sins, because if we do not kill them, they will kill us. The gospel changes the higher as well as the lower powers of the soul, and supports the rule of right reason and conscience, over appetite and passion. There is now no difference from country, or conditions and circumstances of life. It is the duty of every one to be holy, because Christ is a Christian's All, his only Lord and Saviour, and all his hope and happiness.
COLOSSIANS 3: 12-14...
12+++So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience;
13+++bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.
14+++Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.
We must not only do no hurt to any, but do what good we can to all. Those who are the elect of God, holy and beloved, ought to be lowly and compassionate towards all. While in this world, where there is so much corruption in our hearts, quarrels will sometimes arise. But it is our duty to forgive one another, imitating the forgiveness through which we are saved. Let the peace of God rule in your hearts; it is of his working in all who are his.
LWINSOR © 2016
BIBLICAL, and/or other references marked BOLDLY IN COLOURS
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