Giving the last word

Are you someone who always has to have the last word in conflicts? Do you know the satisfaction when your opponent is verbally inferior to you and gives in? There are different reasons why it is important for us to be right. Pride, the desire for respect or recognition. But the more we insist on being right, the more unloving we treat our counterparts.

And if we live a similar culture in our faith, we can live a godly life on the outside and be dead on the inside. How is this possible? Prayer, Bible reading or fellowship in the church are all wonderful gifts to strengthen your faith. But if you are consumed inwardly by envy, strife, idolatry and selfish ambition, it is dark within you. However, this darkness does not remain within you, but you pass it on to your neighbors.

But Jesus wants you to carry his light into the world and be a blessing to those around you. To do this, Jesus wants to remove everything that prevents you from worshipping God. If you keep away from all the things that prevent you from being close to God, you can focus completely on God in prayer and be rewarded with the Holy Spirit. For the Holy Spirit produces fruits of life in you: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

When you give Jesus the last word, HE changes you from the inside out. Then you no longer just agree with Jesus' teaching, but live out of faith in HIM. It is a step away from religiosity towards living by faith. Jesus teaches you to admit wrongdoing, to listen and to give up your “but”. HE frees you from pride and gives you peace in HIM. Jesus gave his life for the darkness in you so that HE shines in you and out of you. If you allow the glory of God to break through in your heart and in your life, you will not only experience the abundant blessing of God, but you will also be a blessing to those around you.

Next Step: “When you pray, go to a place where you are alone, close the door behind you and pray to your Father in silence. Then your Father, who knows all secrets, will reward you.” (Matthew 6:6)