Daily Devotional for April 15, 2010

April 15 ~ Ephesians 4:32
Stop being bitter and angry and mad at others. Don't yell at one another or curse each other or ever be rude. Instead, be kind and merciful, and forgive others, just as God forgave you because of Christ.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

Do you know someone who is always angry at someone or about something? This person is not very much fun person to be around. I don’t know about you, but I’m not a big fan of having to tiptoe lightly around certain people, because I know that the slightest thing can “set them off” and cause problems. And I would be willing to bet that nobody would want to hang around me if I were that way (gee, I hope I’m not!). It also amazes me that anyone who claims to be filled with the Holy Spirit and washed in the blood of Jesus could behave in this manner and be so miserable. And truly, people who are bitter, angry and mad are miserable, even if they won’t admit it!

So when someone gives you less than stellar service at a store or restaurant – or wherever you happen to be, don’t “let them have it,” and stomp out. Certainly do not curse at others… and don’t be rude, either. Just because someone makes a bonehead move doesn’t mean he/she should be called an “idiot.” Just because friends and family members don’t measure up to your standards doesn’t mean they deserve to be treated poorly… by you or anyone else.

Stop and think about this… every single person you encounter is just as much a child of God as you are – and they are every bit as important to Him. You wouldn’t want God to approve of others treating you unkindly. And how do you think God feels about the grudges you hold? Get over yourself! Ask God to refill your “love and tolerance tank,” and start living like the person Christ redeemed. You’ll feel better for it… and so will those around you!

©2010 Debbie Robus

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