(The following is the August 29 devotional from my Next Step Devotions book. Before reading it, I suggest you read Ephesians 4 and pay close attention to verses 25-32.)
Today’s focal passage identifies behaviors we should put aside, godly actions that should replace them, and the reasons for doing so. Putting verses 25-32 in a table format might look like this:
Put aside:
Lying
Sinning in anger
Stealing
Foul language
Grieving the Holy Spirit
Bitterness, anger, wrath, shouting, slander, and malice
And replace with:
Speaking the truth
Not letting the sun go down on our anger
Doing honest work with our hands
Only speaking what is good
Kindness, compassion, and forgiveness
Because:
We are members of one another.
We do not want to give the devil an opportunity.
We should want to share with others.
We want to build up those in need and give grace to the hearer.
We were sealed by Him for the day of redemption.
God has forgiven us in Christ.
God’s instructions are easy to understand. Will we obey?
Next Step:
Circle the items in the first two columns above where you need God’s help to be more Christlike. Pray that God makes you more like him.
