The Holy Spirit is able to dwell inside of us when there is no strife or contention. When we are instead loving on other people and lifting them up, this is when the Spirit of God moves inside our lives. In a home that is filled with peace, is a place where God resides. Solomon taught, 1“Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife.” In our quite place, we can find refuge with God in prayer. Even as a family, we can lift up the Lord in praise and worship, in unified prayer. We understand that God has plans for our lives and therefore we seek Him often for answers. As 1“the Lord trieth the hearts”, we go along with these convictions. Following His will is better than walking on a path with no peace but destruction. God convicts our hearts when we are in the wrong. This is a gift from God in our lives. It is better to know when we are wrong than to continue living in sin. When God calls us to repent, for what we have done, do not resist but confess your sins openly and allow Him to wash away your sins. And if you are found lying or cussing, God will convict of these wrongs. Please know that 1“a wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue,” therefore, come to God with these sins. Do not delay and continue in your own wickedness but allow God to change you from within.
If you are for God, then you will help those in need and never laugh at people’s problems. Instead, love and care for every person you meet that has difficulties. Never do anything to make them feel worse but better than the situation they are in now. Take note as what Solomon taught when he said, 1“whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker.” You are truly disappointing God and acting out in your own foolishness, when you treat people unkindly. Therefore, watch what you say and speak kindly to everyone you meet. Just as we hope God would love us and forgive us as sinners, we do the same for others. 1“Excellent speech becometh not a fool” when spoken out of love for others from our hearts. We do this because God loved us first. His gift of mercy and forgiveness is so amazing that we can’t help but speak of Christ and love others like He does. Surely, this 1“gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it”. This is because Jesus has cleansed us from all sin. His compassion has brought new life into our weary souls. Therefore, 1“he that covereth a transgression seeketh love,” and is able to recognize how precious this gift is. You would know this if you have repented and been justified in the eyes of God. Please take all this to heart and no longer repeat matters that are wicked. Take in every reproof from God and allow Him to cleanse you.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, thank You for helping us know where we stand before You. Thank You for bringing to our attention all our sins. We do not wish to be wicked but holy before You Lord. And we know that only in Your presence can we be made righteous. We are not able to be good on our own will. And if any goodness comes inside our lives, it all comes from You. It is Your great love for us that moves us to be kind to others. It is Your forgiveness that helps us forgive others more freely. We love as You love us Lord. You have cleansed our hearts through Your blood and I am so grateful. Thank You for resurrecting me from the dead. Though my flesh was dead in the things of this world, You have come and given me new life. All the darkness has been scattered and Your light is in my sights, and it is glorious. This gift of forgiveness and mercy is so precious Lord. Thank You for Your compassion. May my life also reflect this same compassion to everyone I meet. If people are in need, help me to show them love and kindness. May I be so generous to help them as You help me daily. I love You Lord. Amen.
Let us read the Bible:
Note: Any Numbered References, found above, are listed below.
1Proverbs 17:1-14 (KJV)
1 Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife.
2 A wise servant shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, and shall have part of the inheritance among the brethren.
3 The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the Lord trieth the hearts.
4 A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue.
5 Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.
6 Children’s children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.
7 Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince.
8 A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.
9 He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.
10 A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool.
11 An evil man seeketh only rebellion: therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.
12 Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.
13 Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.
14 The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.
