Don't Grieve God

Ephesians 4:32 Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.

2 Timothy 3:3 tells us that in these last days people will be unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good (and this is only a short list). As followers of Jesus we are called to stand out and not be like this. We are to reflect the light of Christ and be ready and willing to be kind, even when others are unkind toward us. We are to demonstrate the love of Jesus, as He did, by loving our enemies and praying for those who despitefully use us, even if that happens to be another brother or sister in Christ. Why? Well, because that is what God did for us, for Christ's sake. Romans 5:8 tells us that God showed His love toward us, in that while we were still His enemies, Christ died for us. On the cross Jesus asked for forgiveness on man's behalf, even though not one person was asking for it; "Father forgive them, for they know not what they do." When we refuse to forgive others we are choosing to disobey Jesus' command to love God and love our neighbor. We cannot say that we love the Lord and choose to be unforgiving. Ephesians 4 gives us a list of things we must avoid doing in order to put off the persons we used to be before we became born again followers of Jesus. If we choose to hold on to any of them, to include being unforgiving, we grieve the Holy Spirit, who indwells us and has sealed us. If there is someone in your life, and mine, that needs to be forgiven, let us not hinder the work of the Holy Spirit in us by refusing to forgive. Afterall, God continually forgives us for things we do to Him, and have done to Him, that are worse than anything anyone can do to us. If you don't believe that, go back and read what Jesus suffered because of our sins. Yet, He stilled loves us and forgives us.

Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Romans 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive His free gift of salvation today (Romans 10:13).