Ephesians 4:25-32New International Version (NIV)
25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26 “In your anger do not sin”[a]: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. 28 Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.
29 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. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
It is easy to offend and even easier to be offended if you allow it to. It is easy to let anger seep through your every fiber and turn cold especially to those who we love (or should love). It is hard to press on and overlook an offense. It is even harder to forgive the offender.
In our marriages, legacy dads, how easy is it for you to explode (on your wife? kids? animals?) how can we require love and respect and then take it away in a single outburst of anger? How hard is it to turn off this outrage? This bitterness? This frustration? Do you use your love as a tool to barter for what you want? Meaning, do you withhold it waiting and hoping to receive that which you desire? Or do you withhold it because you are hurt, bitter and angry that love and respect is being held away from you? How do we end this vicious and ungodly practice?
Men, take a stand! Be the spiritual leader of you house. Humble yourselves before God and confess that to which you have offended our Holy God. Do not proclaim to the world (or your house) that you deserve to be the leader and to command respect that you haven't given for a year, years and even decades), instead, turn away wrath with kindness. Turn away anger and bitterness with love and gentleness. Do not look for affirmation from those to whom we offended, rather, look to God for His kindness and mercy.
Take inventory on this awesome chapter:
- Do you lie?
- Do you sin in your anger?
- Do you speak inappropriately?
- Do you grieve the Holy Spirit in your walk (or lack of a godly walk)?
- Do you hold onto bitterness, rage and anger?
- Are you kind and compassionate?
- Have you forgiven others like God has forgiven you of oh so much?
If you read any of this and it pierces your heart and the Holy Spirit is convicting you - REPENT!
Ask God to draw nearer to you and humble yourself before Him.
To God Be the Glory!
Blessings,
D