And the most important piece of clothing you must wear is love. Love is what binds us all together in
perfect harmony
(Colossians 3:14 NLT).
In 1 Corinthians 14:20 NKJV, we find a very important admonition to God’s people. It says, “Brethren, do not be children in understanding;
however, in malice be babes, but in understanding be mature.” Babies don’t know how to be bitter or keep malice. They’re too innocent for such; they don’t have enough sense to even recognize any wrong done to them. That’s how God wants you to live.
Don’t regard the wrong done to you by others to the extent that you become bitter. The Bible says you shouldn’t allow any root of bitterness to spring up in your heart and trouble you, and then tells you why:
it’ll defile you (Hebrews 12:15).
It makes no difference how “justified” you may think you are to be angry, bitter, or offended; any action taken as a result of bitterness has defilement in it. It’s only a matter of time, the decadence in it will
manifest. Don’t create new visions and new ideas or start new businesses, ministries and projects because you were bitter or offended. Don’t build any endeavour on the foundation of bitterness; it’ll fail. Build on love’s foundation.
Remember what the Bible says, “For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God” (James 1:20). Some people have been wounded to the point of tears, and with bitterness in their hearts, acted in a wrathful way. But you can’t move with anger and expect that the righteousness of God is being fulfilled.
Also, be wise to recognize when those around you are being motivated by some dissatisfaction, some anger and frustration. Correct them. Walk in love and the wisdom of God will guide you in all your affairs.
CONFESSION
I give no room for anger and bitterness in my heart. I have the mind of Christ, and God’s essence within me flows out like a stream as I respond to everyone and every situation in love, humility and grace in
Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY:
Ephesians 4:31 NIV; Proverbs 22:24-25; Matthew 5:44
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 8:14-26 & Numbers 3-4
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Acts 21:40-22:1-10 & Psalm 44-45
