“If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen,” 1 John 4:20 ESV. Hatred held in the heart can't hide forever. Like underground molten lava, its pressure builds and seeks release on the surface. No matter how hardened we become on the exterior, bitterness will eventually break through unannounced with devastating results. Even when anger is justified its tyranny cannot be contained nor equitably distributed; it must be expunged entirely from our soul. If left to hang around it will multiply and turn to hatred, but Spiritual freedom and unbounded joy belong to the one delivered from hatred’s grasp. Blessed Father, heal every wound of offense within me and uproot every trace of acrimony. Fill my heart with Your unfailing love and make my soul a “no hating zone”.
A serious pursuit of godliness requires an equally serious renunciation of worldliness. Too often, we measure spirituality with false scales. While being wisely selective with our public vices we are less so with our private attitudes and perspectives. In reality, it is the thoughts and intents of the heart where the greatest battles must be waged; our actions will ultimately align with the condition of our hearts. Lord God, You know me inside out, You are not fooled by human facades. Plow my heart with Your Word and Spirit and leave nothing unturned. Refresh my inward man that I may outwardly glorify You in all places at all times.
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