Words spoken by someone in frustration have wounded my heart. I am reeling from these unexpected arrows of denigration that have ignited an explosion of feelings in my soul. My flesh has been screaming its pain, and I have been listening to it, imagining myself retaliating in anger and frustration. But another voice has joined the battle. The Spirit is gently calling me to abandon every evil impulse and invite Him to change my reaction to the situation.

This is no brief skirmish... this inner war has been occupying my mind for hours now.

But the Spirit is winning. He is allowing me to see beyond the hurtful words to the stress, worry and need that is hidden behind them. He is encouraging me to pray for this person and bless him. And as He reminds me of all the love, kindness and goodness He can express through me in this situation, my heart is softening. I am beginning to imagine how I can show God’s love to this person today.

As I respond to the voice of the Spirit by faith, the voice of the flesh weakens and dies. Love and peace rule my heart once again. The battle has been won... for today.

In the battle for my heart, God’s voice always wins, if I take the time to listen to it in the midst of the storm.

When your flesh screams out its desires to you, take the time to surrender those desires to God and choose to listen to the Spirit’s wise and loving counsel, trusting Him for the strength to do His will.

In the battle for my heart, God's voice always wins, if I take the time to listen to it in the midst of the storm. thelife.com

Lord, when my flesh invites me to respond to evil with evil, remind me to desist from listening to its screams and listen to your still, quiet voice instead. Today, direct my thoughts, my words and my deeds through your Spirit so that only love is expressed. Help me see the pain and need hidden behind any hurtful words, and give me the wisdom to know how to meet those needs in your strength. Amen.

Throughout This Day: — If you are hurt today, and your mouth urges to spit out a retaliation, silently hold your tongue and pray first. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you the right words to say, if any at all.

Consider This — If you have been harboring a grudge, or someone’s hurtful words keep stabbing your heart, read how not dealing with it the right way affected two lives. Getting Rid of All Bitterness



Tags: Daily Devotional Galatians 5
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