Better Words, Better Actions: PraiseLive's 30 Day DevotionalSample

In today’s social media world, what is said is written forever.  Even if a person tries to delete the comment, it is still there electronically forever.  Nowadays, many people in the public spotlight must explain comments from years ago - even though their thoughts and perspective may be different today.  While it is always best not to post offensive remarks in the first place, true repentance is expressing regret and sorrow over what was posted, and as we see in this scripture, it goes one step further - producing fruit.

Repentance literally means someone is going in one direction and then literally turns around and goes the opposite direction.  It’s a real 180.   One of the keys to successfully going in the new direction is to do the opposite of the wrong behavior.  In Ephesians 4,  Paul gives us ways to show true repentance.  The fruit for lying is telling the truth (25), for stealing it’s giving (28) and for saying unwholesome words, it’s building up (29).  It’s stopping the bad behavior and starting the new one in a new direction.  When you act consistently in this new way, you begin to show the fruit of repentance.

Reflection Question: 

Is there an area in your life that you need to yield to the Holy Spirit's promptings?

Praise + Prayer: 

God, I am sorry for what I have done. I ask your forgiveness. Now, help me, Holy Spirit, to walk in a new direction. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Action Idea:

Think of something you want to change. What is the opposite you can do to show you have repented and are going in a new direction?