Am working through painful issues in relation to someone I know, who I have wanted to believe was a follower of Christ, but am finding to be harder to believe over time. I continue to pray for the salvation of my loved ones who do not know Christ. And I continue to hope and pray that God will not let me fall away. Here is the verse that came to me today, via biblegateway's verse of the day. It was a combination of truth - shedding light on something I didn't understand - wisdom, chastisement and encouragement. Chastisement, especially regarding the unwholesome talk. (sigh) The first paragraph jumped out at me as a description of the nature of the problem this person may be experiencing. As simple as it sounds, it's taken me a long time to accept that only God can change a person (including me) on the inside; no one else can. I'm still learning.
Ephesians 4:17-32
Living as Children of Light
So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more.
You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. "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. He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
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