Working Out What God Has Worked In

Ephesians 4:25-32   

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" (Psalm 4:4); 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.   

Pray it:   

O my Father, help me to put off falsehood and speak truthfully to others in my world, seeing each of them as members of one Body. Help me to avoid sin in anger, but to recognize it for what it is and deal with it immediately, so that I won't give the devil a foothold. Father, if I have been stealing or dishonest in any way, reveal this to me, so that I will deal with that immediately, also; and I thank You for providing me the means to share with those in need.

Father, keep Your guard on my mouth, so that no unwholesome talk escape through my lips, but only speak what is helpful for building up others according to their needs, so that it will benefit those who listen, rather than myself. Help me to not grieve Your Holy Spirit with whom You sealed me for that great Day of Redemption. Help me rid myself of any and all bitterness, rage, anger, brawling, slander, and every other form of malice. Teach me to be kind and compassionate toward others, forgiving and letting slights pass, just as in Jesus Christ You have forgiven me, much more than I will ever need to forgive another.