May 21, 2025

SHOW ME WHERE SIN IS LINGERING

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.”

 Colossians 3:8-10 NLT

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TODAY’S THOUGHT

Paul has just addressed outward sins like sexual immorality and addiction. But now, he turns to a different list—sins we often tolerate or excuse. Things like anger, rage, slander, and lying seem “normal” in daily life, even among believers. But Paul doesn’t treat them lightly—and neither should we.

Let’s look at these one by one:

Anger – This is that simmering resentment we carry around. We often justify it because of what someone did to us. But unresolved anger doesn’t hurt them—it hurts us. It steals our peace and blocks God’s joy in our lives.

Rage – This is the explosive outburst of that anger. Paul calls them “fits of rage” (Gal. 5:20). I’ll never forget a church meeting early in my ministry where members were shouting at each other. It was jarring—and heartbreaking. What kind of witness is that to the world?

Malicious Behavior – This is a deep-seated ill will toward others. A good test? Ask yourself: Do I rejoice when someone fails and secretly frown when they succeed? That’s malice. And it needs to be surrendered.

Slander – In Christian circles, slander often wears a disguise. It shows up as “concern” or “prayer requests” that share someone else’s failures. But unless it’s for correction or healing by spiritual leaders, it’s gossip—and it grieves the Spirit.

Dirty Language – Whether it’s crude jokes, obscene words, or harsh tones, our speech should reflect Jesus. Paul says our words should be “full of grace, seasoned with salt” (Col. 4:6). Grace and purity go hand in hand.

Lying – Any form of deception, even if the words are technically true, is a lie if the intent is to mislead. When we lie, we align ourselves not with Christ—but with Satan, the father of lies (John 8:44).

So, what’s the solution?

Paul says, “Put on your new nature, and be renewed…” We take off the old self and put on Christ. This isn’t just behavior modification—it’s transformation through relationship. As we learn more about Jesus, we begin to become like Him.

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TODAY’S PRAYER

Holy Spirit, show me any area where I’ve allowed sin to linger. Forgive me. Cleanse me. Teach me how to live as someone made new in Christ. Help me put off the old and put on the new. Shape me to reflect Jesus more each day. Amen.

“Scroll down to share what you feel God is saying based on today’s reading.”