GET RID OF
Today's reading: Ephesians 4-6
"Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of malicious behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you." Ephesians 4:31 NLT
'Get rid of'...
'Put away from'...
'Be removed'...
Just how does one 'do' that?
How does one get rid of emotion, feeling and deep-seated sentiment?
It's not as easy as a surgical procedure to remove the infected area.
Or a matter of having enough positive vibes to make it happen.
It doesn't even help to know all the verses, King James English or otherwise, that tell you to do it.
So how does it get done? How does one rid one's self of bitterness, rage, anger and the like?
Well, it will only happen when we determine to prioritize peace.
When we want a settled heart more than we want to hang on to whatever sinful feeling we are justifying filling our lives with.
When we don't just 'wish it away', but spend time in prayer each and every time the emotion rears its ugly head.
When we consider the Cross.
Let Jesus's work on the cross- the example He set for us, the lengths He went to, the love He showed in that single act-be our example to follow.
This verse isn't asking us to conceal how we feel...
It's not even asking us to not feel...
It's asking us to confront it, replace it and trust Him with it.
It's not easy....but neither is carrying the baggage of those negative emotions around all day!
