By THE SPIRIT Paul wrote in Ephesians chapter 4:
25 Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another.
In order to be in full unity we must be truthful with one another. Many will divulge certain facts and withhold others in order to gain some advantage which in the end causes division. We must base our relationships on truth which can stand on its own. FATHER is the Author of all Truth and as we stand on HIS Truth then our relationships will be on firm footing.
26 “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath,
27 nor give place to the devil.
There will be times when we become troubled or angry in a given situation but afterward we must “meditate within our hearts on our bed, and be still.” (Psalm 4:4) We must not hold a grudge which in turn will grow into bitterness. When anger is allowed to fester, we open ourselves up to being manipulated and swayed by the devil who will promote lies in order to move us away from our relationship with FATHER. We must protect ourselves and not allow anger to infiltrate our walk.
28 Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need.
A desperate man steals and lies because he is lacking in some aspect of his life. He has no respect for other peoples’ property and justifies his thievery by others’ unwillingness to help him out. He sees others as having excess when he is in serious need. “Steal from the rich and give to the poor” becomes his unrighteous mission. In order to change, he must be shown the error of his ways and become a productive person willing to labor for his wages to the point where he is able to help others in need. The other part of this issue has to do with those who have excess and have been unwilling to give to those in need. Are they any better than the thief in FATHER’S eyes? FATHER Loves a cheerful giver. Those who don’t give live in fear because they do not believe FATHER will provide all their need and thus they do not trust FATHER completely. In effect, they encourage theft by those who are in need and become desperate.
29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.
Corrupt words are bad fruit which do not represent FATHER and HIS Divine Intent. We must bridle our tongue when we are tempted to say words which do not bless and impart grace to the person whom they are directed. If we become angry, the best thing to do is to say nothing and let the emotion subside. Otherwise we are at risk for corrupt (of poor quality, bad, unfit for use, worthless) words to proceed out of our mouths.
30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.
In essence, we should be a blessing to others no matter what the situation. When things are going well it is easy to be led by THE SPIRIT. But when the pressure is applied and our peace is challenged, how will we respond? What fruit are we producing when the pressure is applied? This is when we truly know what level of maturity we are at in our walk.
32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.
Jesus expressed very specific directives concerning forgiveness. Are we willing to forgive the one who stole from us repeatedly? Jesus forgave the men who crucified Him. Is there any greater aspect of forgiveness than that? If all earthly things are temporary then why do we place more emphasis on things rather than the souls of men? How many of us have “stolen” from FATHER? Moreover how many of us have been absolutely truthful in all aspects of our lives? Let us walk with pure hearts, be led by HIS SPIRIT, and no longer grieve The Holy Spirit but be testimonies to others of HIS Grace guiding us through life.