Rule Over It

"Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice"- Ephesians 4:31 (NIV).

We are to love as Christ loved (v.32). Jesus suffered so much when redeeming us of our sins, why are we surprised when we go through a period of suffering? The Apostle Paul, who wrote today's Scripture, certainly wasn't living an easy life during his missionary work: imprisoned, flogged, beaten, stoned, shipwrecked, homeless, sleepless, hungry, thirsty, cold and naked (2 Corinthians 11:23-27). Doesn't that draw you into wanting to serve and love those who are lost? Paul loved as Christ loved, but he was still human. He still felt the emotions of bitterness, rage, and anger. When God found Cain angry over his brother's offering being accepted and not his, God told him to do what was right and his offering would be accepted. God said, "But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it" (Genesis 4:6-7). In other words: Get rid of it by ruling over it! Do what is right and your offering will be accepted.