Thursday, May 17, 2012

Controlled by the Holy Spirit

"In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.
(Ephesians 4:26-27) Paul realized that human beings do indeed get angry! No doubt Paul did . . . who can possibly stay pealsant when facing all the obstacles he faced: falsely jailed, beaten, character assaults, ministry buddies quitting and more. Yet he warns us to deal with our anger. Do not allow it to control us and definitely do not take it to bed with us! However, he does instruct us (Ephesians 4:25)speak the truth. So if the devil uses this anger specifically to gnaw away at us and to lead us to deeper sin, how do we speak the truth (in love) yet still not sin? We must be controlled by the Holy Spirit and not our emotions!(Ephesians 5:18)Paul further instructs us in his letter to the Romans. (Romans 8:4-11) Believers must give up control and allow the indwelling Spirit to take over. It is the only way to be honest with folks and not allow emotions to take over. It keeps us mentally stable. It preserves friendships. It safeguards our character. It honors God and causes other to see His power in our lives!

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