Sins of the Spirit

The older brother was angry and wouldn’t go in. Luke 15:28a NLT

Lord, today I was hurt and angry. When the one who hurt me extended friendship, I responded coolly. I was justified. After what “she” said, I had a right to treat her that way. After all Your Word does say people will reap what they sow. Who does “she” think “she” is making such condescending statements? And you know, Lord, what Your Word teaches about pride. She just oozes with her uppity ways. I haven’t done anything to deserve her cruel comments. In the long run, distancing myself will teach her a valuable lesson! Her behavior is unacceptable. I refuse to reward such dysfunction. After all, her attitude doesn't bring honor to You. I certainly don’t want to enable her. I’ve settled it once and for all. I am right. No doubt about it. There is no need in discussing it further. I am positively... positively... positively miserable.

Why am I in such unrest, Lord? How is it possible that I can I be right and yet be so wrong?

In the depths of my soul, I discern “I” am part of the problem. “I” am like the prodigal son’s older brother, who wouldn’t go in because of his heart was diseased with anger and hurt. The Holy Spirit gives me a much-needed diagnosis -- sins of the spirit; a spiritual malady, which can render the patient powerless to love. Many times manifestations can be masked and difficult to detect, but only for a short time. Eventually, everyone will notice their lovelessness. If not given a biblical antidote of love and humility, the disease can spread to vital organs of the soul.

Symptoms include:
• Polite coolness when friendship is available
• Consumed with proving your point
• Touchiness, sensitivity
• Needing to persuade others to embrace your point of view
• Loving your opinions more than you love people


“Forgive me, Lord. I’ll righten my wrong. Life is too short for me to nurse this grudge. Help me to not be like the older brother and refuse a relationship. Help me respond in a way that brings glory and honor to You.”

Holy Deafness

But Jesus, not heeding the word spoken. Mark 5:36 RV

Lord, give us holy deafness when hurtful words are said. Help us to continue to be about our Father's business and not be shipwrecked because of cruel comments that have pierced our soul. Help us to pray as You prayed, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." Sometimes, Lord, those You have called us to serve sting us, and we find it difficult to wash their feet, but You, Master, washed Judas' feet and you called him, "Friend." You knew, from the beginning, what was in his heart. Yet You humbled Yourself and ministered to him just hours before he would betray You.

We openly admit, Lord, that our hearts resist and scream, "I can see through them."

But You, Lord, plead with us, "See them through."

Our restless souls wail, "I'm not budging an inch."

But You, Lord, entreat us, "When they ask you to go one mile, go with them, two."

We can go the second mile, as long as You go with us, Lord. You make the bitter very sweet.

Lord, grant us holy deafness so we can obey Your Word. We're in earnest when we say we want to be like You. We place Your cup to our lips, Lord, and we drink. We realize it's the only way our world will ever come to know You. If You, Savior, live out Your life through us.

Lord, give us holy deafness to the careless conversations with those we come in contact with, but give us keen hearing to Your Holy Spirit.

Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.