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Ephesians 4:25-5:2 So then, putting away falsehood, let all of us speak the truth to our neighbors, for we are members of one another. Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not make room for the devil. Thieves must give up stealing; rather let them labor and work honestly with their own hands, so as to have something to share with the needy. Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with which you were marked with a seal for the day of redemption. Put away from you all bitterness and wrath and anger and wrangling and slander, together with all malice, and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you. Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Have you ever wanted something really bad but did not buy it because assembly was required? Has your daughter/son wanted something really badly and you did buy it even though assembly was required? And did you not find that finally following the instructions kept you from complete and total destruction of the project? So it is with life. There is a way to live without following divine instructions such as these and finally finding out that was not such a clever choice. There is also the way to live that says, "I want to be like Jesus in all my ways," and doing as Paul is instructing: Telling the truth to all, realizing we're all in this together; seeking to stay away from anger, at least the kind of anger that is sinful, and shutting the devil out of your life completely. Do not take what is not yours, as the Big Ten (Commandments) seem to share that a lot. Work hard and honestly, sharing what you can with those in need. Use your mouth to speak praises and words of encouragement to lift up the spirits of those around you. Be a person who shares grace. Seek the peace and presence of the Holy Spirit and His power will be yours. Stay away from negative things such as bitterness, revenge, anger, double-dealing, falsehoods, maliciousness; seeking instead to be kind to each other, being persons of tenderness and forgiveness. These will make people and God, especially, know you are living like Jesus. Is there any better model to follow?
You've just built the perfect life! Live it to the fullest!
PRAYER: Loving God, help me to live like Jesus. Help me to bless others with my doing as I've shared and read above. This I pray in Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
