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In societies, organizations and countries, there are rules and regulations governing the members, staff and nationals of each grouping or whoever finds him or herself in any of the groupings. So also in the Kingdom of God there are rules and regulations governing every child of God. In a nutshell, a child of God is expected to conduct himself in conformity to the Bible standard, i.e. how a Christian should behave is contained in the Bible and no where else. Also many Christians accept the gift of God's free grace, but then they do not bear fruit due to Lack of Obedience and discipline. God isn't going to pour His power into a vessel that leaks because of undisciplined living. In this study, we shall be examining what the Bible says about the following and discuss what a believer should do concerning them. Malice: Malice can be defined as having a desire to harm others, or ill will. To this effect, malice is an aberration to any child of God, therefore, put it away. Eph. 4:31-32, lay it aside, I Peter 2;1, put it off Col. 3:8. Restore relationship immediately with anyone with whom you have been keeping malice. Strife: This involves contending or struggling with people opposing views. At times hot and abusive words are exchanged. However, we should not allow issues to degenerate into this state or be influenced by the spirit of strife II Tim 2 : 14,24-25; Phil 2: 3. Strife leads to uncontrollable situations Prov 17 : 14; 26 : 17. It is an honor for a man to desist from strife Prov 20: 3; Titus 3 : 9. The example of Jesus Christ should be followed, who did nothing through strife or vain glory and at the end of his ministry here on earth, God highly exalted Him and gave Him a name which is above every name Phil 2 :3-11. If the spirit of strife is still operating in you, thjen you are still carnal I Cor 3 : 3; I Cor 6 :6. Therefore, renounce it, rebuke it and cast it out of your life. Anger: The spirit of anger and bad temper is a destructive spirit, hence cease from it (Ps. 37:8). Foolish decisions are often taken when in this state (Prov. 14:17), be slow to anger, James 1:19. A controllable spirit is better (Prov. 16:32; Prov. 19:11). An angry man is a foolish person (Ecc. 7-9). Take things easy, and repent today. Unforgiveness: This evil called unforgiveness is a cankerworm militating against a lot of bellievers. It can also hinder prayers (Mk. 11:25-26; Matt. 18:23-35). Forgive one another, even as God for Christ's sake has for given you (Eph. 4:32; Col. 3:13). Ask God for a forgiving spirit today. Cruelty: This is a state of showing indifference to another's suffering or causing a person to suffer. Some believers still manifest the spirit of cruelty and wickedness at home or at work and this should not be. Cruelty bounced back Prov. 11:17. Let not mercy depart form you Prov. 3:3; Micah 6:8; Matt. 5:7; Lk. 6:36. Gloominess: This is being in a state of depression, wearing a dull, dismal or dejected face and always frowning. It is also having a feeling of sadness and hopelessness Prov. 15:13; Prov. 17:22. Gloominess is a defect of character and should never be equated with Godliness. Rejoice Ps. 33:1; 97:12; Phil. 3:1, 4:4.
CONCLUSION
MEMORY VERSE I CORINTHIANS 14:40 |