Eph. 4:17 – 5:21

Wow what a word I received today. Talk about a timely message from Abba, Father. Thank you, LORD.
My morning devotions started with a question that said, “List the things Christians should put off and things they should put on in their place. Give verses”.
So as I was reading the chapter I started to put down some thoughts.
Live no longer as the ungodly. They are hopelessly confused. Their closed minds are full of darkness. They shut their minds and harden their hearts against GOD. They don’t care anymore about right and wrong. They have given themselves over to immoral ways. Their lives are filled with all kinds of impurity and greed. Throw off your evil ways, nature, and former way of life. Which is full of lust and deception. Certain words in the passage I underlined because they spoke to my spirit.
Instead be spiritually renewed in your thoughts and attitudes. You must display a new nature. You are a new person created in God’s image righteous, hold and true. Put away all falsehood and tell your neighbor the truth. For we belong to each other.
And don’t sin by letter anger gain control over you. Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry for anger gives a mighty foothold to the Devil. My commentary on v/s 26-27 about anger adds: “The Bible doesn’t say that we shouldn’t feel angry but it points out that it is important to handle our anger properly. If vented thoughtlessly anger can hurt others and destroy relationships. If it is bottled up inside, it can case us to become bitter and destroy us from within. Paul tells us to deal with our anger immediately in a way that builds relationships rather than destroys them. If we nurse our anger, we will give Satan an opportunity to divide us. Are you angry with someone right now? What can you do to resolve your differences? Don’t let the day end before you begin to work on mending your relationships.
Verse 29 continues with stop stealing, do honest work. Then give generously to others in need. Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful so that your words might build up and encourage those who hear them. And don’t bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. 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. I added a portion of the LORD’S PRAYER here. Father, forgive our sins as we forgive those who have sinned against us. It’s the concept of reaping and sowing.