Suggested Bible Reading: 1 John 4:7-21, Ephesians 4:31-32, Proverbs 4:23
Forgive, to stop feeling angry or resentful toward (someone) for an offense, flaw, or mistake.
🔴 Signals and Guides
(1 John 4 7-12) God offers abundance when we surrender our lives to Him. Peace, security, joy, and connection are a few of the feelings our hearts will experience. No amount of material things will give us the same satisfaction, which is why it’s easy for us to lust after things and people in this world.
I want to continue seeking God’s gifts by developing better habits and avoiding known temptations where I waste time or will regret. If I do not appreciate the blessings God has given, that is also a sin, and I lose the connection, security and give up my power of self-control.
To love God is to put Him in every situation and circumstance.
(Ephesians 4:31-32) Our emotions are not sins but signs! I can’t remember who coined that phrase, but it is so true. Negative emotions warn us of dangerous behavior approaching, and positive emotions affirm the God connection we have. As God’s created beings, we can experience righteous anger because we want to help the spiritually weak. In those times, we are reacting in love and using the warning as a signal, not a guiding force. I pray to allow God’s love to guide us to the correct responses, both verbally and physically.
“When we give our best to what He values, it will lead to peace and joy and fulfillment.”-Joel Malm (Author of Love Slows Down How to keep Anger and Anxiety from Burning Life’s Relationships)
In his book, I love how Joel Malm personified the waters of our hearts. One tiny stream of hatred, lust, greed, or all of the above can taint our hearts and make us cynical and jaded. The process of forgiveness is a daily activity. It is something we need to do.
Let us practice letting go of anger and frustration even more. I know I need God’s grace and mercy; we should live a life reflecting His love and grace.
- What are your core values?
- Are you accumulating material wealth or spiritual treasures?
- What is your heart seen doing?
Seek God’s guidance and adjust your attitude towards the people entrusted to you. We are not each other’s property but are partners working for the kingdom of God.
~Torrie Slaughter
This devotional was written and edited by Torrie Slaughter the founder of Our Given Purpose® in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
© Torrie Slaughter, LLC; Torrie Slaughter Photography, and Our Given Purpose®
