Encouragement
Christians are not immune to criticism, unjust vexation, or
unfair provocation. Sometimes, although we try our best to walk
in peace with men, we get all kinds of acrimonious comments that irritate and annoy us and make us upset. It ruffles our feathers and unsettles our peace. We get angry.
How we react to such situations and to the people that cause them will determine if we commit "sin" (anger) or not.
The best way to avoid being put down by these unproductive attacks is to focus on God. What does God say?
Matthew 5: 8 tells us that "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God."
To be pure in heart is to be empty of any feeling or thought of anger, bitterness, revenge, greed, or pride. To be pure of heart is to be empty of SELF and to be filled with God's Spirit. To be pure of heart is to be surrendered to the One Who owns the heart : Jesus Christ.
Satan knows when to strike the Christian who wants to follow Christ, and he knows WHEN and WHERE to strike. He is like a roaring lion always deceitfully watching us and will do anything to make us fall. We must always be on our guard and be careful with our steps (words) or we may easily fall into his trap.
When we focus on what God knows about us and not on what people think about us, then we are assured of God's peace.
"But, let him who boasts boast in the Lord. For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends." (2 Corinthians 10:17-18)
The Lord is pleased when we serve Him with a willing heart and a desire to honor Him. God does not look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. (1 Samuel 16:7)
Jeremiah 9: 23-24 further says:
"This is what the Lord says:
'Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom,
or the strong man boast of his strength
or the rich man boast of his riches,
but let him who boasts boast about this:
that he understands and knows Me,
that I am the Lord, Who exercises kindness,
justice and righteousness on earth,
for in these I delight, '
declares the Lord."
When we desire God with all our heart, we strive our best to keep our hearts pure. This all-consuming desire to "see" God spiritually must motivate us to keep our hearts clean, because only with a pure heart can we see Him in our spirit.
Copyright Cynthia B.Baello
Tarlac City Philippines
February 2, 2011
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A great reminder to let go of the negative emotions. Thanks
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