Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional; Saturday, 10th August 2019 ;
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome DSc., DD;
“NO CHIP ON YOUR SHOULDER”
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice (Ephesians 4:31 NIV).
There’re people who are unhappy in their lives; there’s so much bitterness in them. Even when they’re counselled to forgive those who may have hurt or offended them, they’re unwilling to let go. They pray and make decisions on the bases of their hurt, offences, and bitterness, while stating they have forgiven.
Refuse to harbour resentment. It makes no difference how callous someone may have acted towards you; holding on to the pain and grudge of such experiences would only wound your emotions further, and ultimately affect your health.
To be unforgiving is to allow circumstances rob you of your joy in life. Forgiving others isn’t so much about the one who offended you; it’s about your own life; it’s for your benefit.
As long as you hold that grudge against those who may have hurt you, you’re not free; you’re in more trouble than the one with whom you’re angry. But when you maintain a forgiving heart, not only will you live a happy and exciting life, you’ll continually enjoy the pleasantness in other people. When you free others, you become free.
Yes, offences will come, according to the Bible; people will do things that may hurt or offend you, but never allow anger provoke and make you react negatively. Remember the words of Jesus: “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). Stay in the Word and walk in love. Forgive easily. Hold no grudge. Be meek, kind, and not easily provoked. Let God’s essence within you flow out like a stream as you relate with others in love.
One of the beauties of God’s Word is its practicability; so, when our opening verse says, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger,” it’s practicable. Use the Word to deal with such and other negative emotions. If there’s anyone you’ve been holding a grudge against or has a grudge against you, take the bold step to make peace, irrespective of who’s at fault, for this is the will of God concerning you.
CONFESSION
I maintain a forgiving heart, because God’s love is fully expressed through me, causing me to be meek, kind and patient. I live a happy and exciting life, continually enjoying the pleasantness in other people. Hallelujah!
FURTHER STUDY:
Ephesians 4:26 NLT; Colossians 3:13 NIV; Matthew 18:21-22 NIV
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Romans 12:1-16 & Psalms 85-88
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Luke 14:25-35 & Judges 18