“Be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” - Ephesians 4:32 (NASB)
There is so much to this scripture. One word has its own principle for persuading our thoughts and in turn our behavior. When reading the scripture as a whole I need to absorb which truth applies to the circumstance at hand.
A circumstance ruffled my feathers when a friend called not-so-nice names to those who think differently than them. Did this person know they were saying this about me and those who are dear to me? Ouch! Time to process. God’s inspired word says, “A worthless man digs up evil, while his words are like a scorching fire.” -Proverbs 16:27 (NASB). Does this mean I can borrow God’s words and reply kindly and compassionately, “Do you smell smoke?”
Then my love for souls surfaced and I thought about my friend and wondered what happened to our youthful attitude when none of this political stuff mattered? Why can’t we recall what we enjoyed about one another when our friendship connected? God reminded me that He offered forgiveness before I knew I needed it. I should be readily available as well since my friend may be unaware, they are in need of what I have received, forgiveness.
Ask the Lord to quicken your mind toward Him when you start to smell smoke from the mouths of others. Ask Him to show you a right response that reflects His image.
This devotion by author, Terrie Miles, is exclusively and solely shared with permission to New Beginnings Church. Any unauthorized printed reproduction, sharing or use of this material is prohibited.
