Growing in HopeSample

Don't Give the Devil an Opportunity 

In Ephesians 4:25, Paul is telling us to stop lying. This is not something new from God.  When God originally gave the 10 commandments to Moses, He said, “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” (Exodus 20:16). Not only is lying to someone else wrong, but it is a sin against God.

Often we may “stretch the truth” a little bit. Anytime we deceive someone, even if we don’t consider it an outright lie, it is sin. When we do this, we know it. We have to think how to carefully craft our words, then we tell ourselves that it’s not really a lie because there is some truth in it. But if we’re being honest with ourselves, we know that it’s wrong and deceptive. Telling others what you think they want to hear when the truth is something different is lying also. Being honest is a part of who we are as children of God. This is not to say we shouldn’t be kind and gentle though! We should be kind and gentle while also speaking the truth in love!  

In Ephesians 4:26 we read, “Be angry, but do not let the sun go down on your anger.”

Sometimes we will get mad at others, but we must not allow that anger in us to linger. We often think that being angry towards someone is a way to “get even with them.” However, this is simply not true. Many times, the person we are angry with does not even know it. 

The anger we hold on to is much more un-healthy and dangerous for ourselves than the person that caused it. Paul says in Ephesians 4:27 that this anger gives the devil an opportunity. Paul wants us to know that un-forgiveness and anger lead to the devil provoking us to hatred, violence and ruining relationships. The devil can use this in a spiritual battle against us. 

You may feel like you want to “get revenge” for the way someone has hurt you, but I encourage you not to do it! God’s word tells us in Romans 12:19, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord.” Let go of your anger towards another, and trust God to deal with it. 

James writes in James 1:20, “for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God”. Anger leads you away from God and opens a door for the devil to attack you. Ask God to help you deal with this anger. If you feel like you cannot let go of anger and un-forgiveness, seek counseling from someone where you go to church or from another follower of Jesus who you trust.

Is there someone who you are angry with?

Prayer:
Thank You, Father, for loving me. Thank You for teaching me how to live as a true follower of Christ. Forgive me of all falsehood and deceit. Cleanse me, and let Your truth be the only thing that comes out of my mouth. Lord, remind me to give my anger to You every time it rises up inside of me. Help me to forgive others and not hold any bitterness in my heart. I know I can only do this with Your help and grace. Thank You for never leaving me. I receive Your forgiveness today. Have Your way in my life. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.