Mercy has Found Me

We Are Holy in Christ
By Marc Nabié — Tuesday, October 1, 2024

Scripture Reading — Ephesians 5:3-7

Among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people.
Ephesians 5:3

One major difficulty for many believers is to try to live up to the Bible’s high standard for purity. The morals of the societies we live in—along with the internet and other media—do not make it easy to live God’s way. In Africa, many of my fellow believers are first-generation Christians in our families. We are often the children of our father's second or third wife. My own father, for example, married nearly ten wives, and my mother was his second wife. As you can see, the way sexuality was treated in my family is extremely different from what I read in the Bible.

Yet Paul says that Christians must not have even a hint of sexual immorality, other impurity, or greed. Here Paul is addressing the desires of our hearts. What drives you? What is most important to you? What is your greatest desire? Does it match with what God’s Word calls you to be?

Our view of sexuality, and of desires in general, must be constantly renewed in a personal relationship with the Lord and his Word. This is true for all Christians, no matter where we live. The apostle reminds us that we are holy through our union with Christ. And, as a result, we are called to new life that is marked with a deep desire for God’s kingdom.

Dear Father, thank you for making us holy through your Son, Jesus Christ. Help us to live for you in the choices we make, following the instructions in your Word. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Written by: Marc Nabié

Practicing Self-Control
By Marc Nabié — Tuesday, October 1, 2024

Scripture Reading — Ephesians 4:26-27

“In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.
Ephesians 4:26-27

The Mossi make up the largest people group in Burkina Faso, where I live. They have a strict concept of self-control. They say that a leader—or any real man—should never laugh but always be serious. This notion is passed on through the generations. Fathers do not congratulate their children. If a father is proud of his child, he must hide it so that the child does not relax and take life too easily. It is believed that being strict with children trains them to be strong.

Fortunately the Bible is more realistic and balanced about self-control. It even teaches that it’s okay to be angry—but if you don't control your anger, you will end up sinning. The consequences of uncontrolled anger are many and damaging. Anger is not good for our self-esteem, and it grieves the Holy Spirit within us. In addition, there are often victims. Most violence begins with uncontrolled anger.

In this broken world, relationships are precious and vulnerable. But anger can enter in and give the devil a foothold.

How have you learned to control your anger? The healing power of forgiveness is an amazing antidote. Forgiveness restores relationships and gives them a new chance. How is God calling you to help people who struggle with anger or are victims of it?

Father, you have shown us mercy and grace instead of being angry with us. Help us not to sin in our anger; instead, let us be people of your peace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.