Psalm 130:5
December 3, 2023
FEAST OF SAINT JOHN OF DAMASCUS – 4th DECEMBER
December 4, 2023
THE 3rd of DECEMBER
LYING AND A BAD TEMPER ARE THE DEVIL’S TOOLS AND HAVE NO PLACE IN A CHRISTIAN’S LIFE
Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another. “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil. – Ephesians 4:25-27
We are urged to stop living as those who do not know God lives and to reject all that is false like lying, defrauding, telling half-truths, spreading rumors etc. As children of God we are to speak only the truth and to treat others right. In the body of Christ we are members of one another, which means that when one suffers, we are all affected, so we have to help each other out in times of need.
Anger in itself is not a sin, as also Jesus felt it at the hardness of men’s hearts (Mark 3:5) and we also read about God’s wrath against those who rebelled against Him. We are to be angry at sin, like immorality, injustice and all ungodly behavior, by hating and fighting against them all. The sooner we solve all negative emotions, the less chance we have to give the devil any opportunity to lead us into sin. All these take time and effort to repent and be freed from, but if we do not do it, we might lose relationships that are important to us and even suffer physically.
SUGGESTED PRAYER
Thank You dear Lord for the great teachings from Your Word. There is all I need to know to be able to live the abundant life that Jesus came for me to have. Please help me enjoy Your presence, by keeping my heart pure and when I encounter sin to not remain angry more than needed to correct the situation, so that it will not turn into resentment or bitterness in my heart, by meditating too long on it. Lord please help me to avoid the poison caused by negative emotions and not offer any opportunity to the devil to tempt me to sin, but to overcome evil with good. In the Name of Jesus. Amen
Source: thetruthstandsforever
