Aug 4, 2019
Humans were originally built helpful, protective, and others-focused. However, with sin in our hearts, we are now self-righteous, blamers, and hostile to those who hurt or offend us (Gen. 3:12, 13). Anger and hostility are not the same. Anger can be righteous while hostility comes from an evil heart of pride and selfishness, that starts at disrespect and ends with disunity (Eph. 4:26). A heart of hostility gets hostility in return, but a heart of graciousness creates peace fromhostility (Ps. 23:5; Prov. 15:1, 18; 25:15, 21, 22). Don’t look to be offended and insulted but look to be gracious and forgiving. Lack of graciousness for others is a heart issue—usually displayed through our mouth before it reaches our hands (Prov. 4:23; Matt. 18:21-35; Luke 6:45). While hostility is usually reactive, graciousness should always be proactive. In a culture that promotes negativity, criticism, and judgment, believers are to promote positivity, helpfulness, and grace(Prov. 16:32; 19:11; 29:11; Matt. 5:44; Col. 3:13).