Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to another, forgiving each other, just as Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:29-32
This passage has been heavy on my heart the past several days. So many of us are so quickly to tear one another down, speak unkindly about others and speak hurtful words to one another. We are called to be different though. We are called to build one another up, encourage one another and show a supernatural love, grace and mercy to one another. We are called to release offenses, rid ourselves of the strongholds that hold us in bondage and we are called to forgive, even in the most difficult of situations. We are called to be different and we are called to love which is not always an easy task but its one that requires oneness with Christ so that HE can provide us with the ability and strength to overcome the obstacles involved in this process.
So I encourage you today as you remember a hurt or an offense, when someone comes at you in a negative or hurtful way and you feel yourself growing bitterness and quick tongue to go before the Lord and ask for his strength to get you through the situation. Ask him to shine his light down upon you and to show an extra amount of grace to whomever has wronged you. Remember, you don’t know the wounds others have encountered and you don’t know what struggles they are facing. It does not excuse their behavior but God calls us to be different which means BE different then how the “world” would respond. We are to become less so that others may become more. Instead of showing anger, bitterness and resentment, show love, grace and mercy.
We are called to be different. We are called to be kingdom changers. We are called to show the light and hope of Christ and we are called to love in such a way that others flock towards us because they see something different about us and that want what we have. Be a glowing light in this dreary dark world. Be Jesus in the flesh, be different.