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Get rid of every kind of bitterness, rage, anger, quarreling, and slander, along with every kind of malice. Instead, be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ has forgiven us.

Ephesians 4:31–32, EHV

In Christ, you have been forgiven. This cannot be overemphasized. When Christ breathed those last words, “It is finished!” He wasn’t talking about His life, but about the reign of sin in the world. Forgiveness was given for all sin, for all time. The most difficult thing for us in our lives is believing it. This does not excuse sin, but as we realize the gift of God and submit to His authority, the forgiveness that has been given is received as we are repented of that sin. Jesus died for all sinners. When belief is within us, and we accept the forgiveness, our hearts are changed. Bitterness, rage, anger, quarreling, slander, malice, blasphemy, and so on will not feel at home within us the more we submit and humble ourselves to Christ. Forgiveness of others will come more naturally as we seek not to hold anything against another, but desire for others to know Christ and His gift for us also. In this, we can all know His peace.

Let us pray. I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, your dear Son, that you have kept me this night from all harm and danger, and I ask you to protect me this day also from sin and every evil, that in all I do today, I may please you. For into your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all that is mine. Let your holy angel watch over me, that the wicked foe have no power over me. Amen.