"Clothe
yourselves therefore, as God's own chosen
ones...by putting on...patience [which is tireless
and long-suffering, and has the power to endure
whatever comes] with good temper" (Col. 8:12 AMP).
Would you say that you need the power of God to
endure whatever comes with a good temper? I
certainly do. Well God has given us all that is
necessary to fulfill His will in life. And the
element He's given us to maintain a good temper in
all things is forgiveness which comes out of a
heart of love.
Forgiveness is a
decision; not an emotion; not a feeling; but a
decision. You decide, "I'm going to do this!"
period.
Forgiveness covers our heart and other
extremities. Why is it so important?
Unforgiveness does not hurt the other person; it
hurts you. Also, God said that He will not forgive
you unless you forgive others. And forgiveness
helps to maintain a good temper at all times.
Have you ever needed God to forgive you since
you've been saved? Do you think you may need God
to forgive you in the future? Well, if you forgive
then you will be forgiven.
See, your decision to walk in love is what will
activate God's forgiveness when you need it. It is
a decision; not an emotion; not a feeling; but a
decision. You decide, "I'm going to do this!"
period.
Love is the key that unlocks forgiveness for you.
To forgive an individual is to decide that their
wrong won't affect the decision you've made to do
what the Word says in responding to their actions.
You decide that you will not retaliate, but will
respond scripturally. And as far as you are
concerned, you will maintain a good relationship
with that person, because you walk in love. And a
love person allows love to rule the relationship.
God requires that you walk in love. That love will
cause you to maintain a good temper, because 1
Corinthians 13:4 says that love is patient. Love
can endure anything and everything that comes your
way. And when you have that kind of supernatural
element working in your life, joy and peace is
sure to follow.
Scripture References:
Matthew 18:23-35; 1 Corinthians 13:4-8