Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. “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. Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. (NIV)

Have you ever been in a situation where you have found out that you were taken in by a lie? A lie from a friend, a colleague, a financial scam? I have a specific memory that comes to mind when I read the first part of this verse. I vividly remember a time at work when I was caught up in a lie by a co-worker who I felt was a friend. When I found out, I was hurt. And out of that hurt grew anger, and out of that anger grew resentment. I found that the more I avoided talking about it directly, the more I lacked the ability to meet this person with grace, truth, and a heart of love.

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In this learning experience, a great mentor challenged me with some hard questions that allowed me to reflect on, not what the other person had done, but how I was handling the situation. For the first time, I could see them through God's lens for his children. I was finally able to meet this person with a heart ready to be slow to speak, with ears ready to listen, and with a posture of openness to hear their perspective. I learned that I don't always get it right; we are always learning, and it's never too late to begin again tomorrow as a new day in walking just a little bit closer with God.

When we meet our neighbor with empathy and kindness, just as Jesus meets us, we’re making big impacts on that interaction. When we recognize that our true identity is in God and begin to realize his immeasurable capacity to love us, it changes how we view others. When we start to see the face of Jesus in people and feel the Father’s love for them, we also begin to operate, serve, work, forgive, speak, affirm, and give with a generous spirit, just as God loves us.  

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Our loving Father wants so much for us, and like the good and gracious Father he is, he will open the door. However, we must make the bold and courageous choice to walk through it. He wants us to have honest, deep, healthy relationships (v. 25). He wants us to experience emotions but also healthily navigate through them (v. 26). God desires that we work hard and live a life on a mission, not a vacation (v. 28).

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Knowing God's desires and embracing them can be challenging, though. For me, this requires a daily choice and renewal of that commitment. There are times when I question my choices or the commitment that I made, and sometimes, I struggle to truly feel and embrace all the beautiful emotions God has given me. But through these challenges, I'm learning to take a step toward God as I navigate them, and I'm encouraged to continue growing a little more daily.

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These little changes we make have a significant impact over time; we just have to take it step by step. In what areas of your life can you take a small step to move the needle just a little bit forward today and tomorrow? Maybe it's spending 10 minutes away from your phone and easy distractions to connect with God quietly. It could be joining a small group or developing a deeper connection with someone in your group. Whatever it looks like for you, embracing just one challenge today will amount to a massive step on your journey!

Father, thank you for showing us your limitless love. We ask that you help us find our identity in your love for us and not in other things, people, achievements, or worldly things we find ourselves chasing after. We pray that the Holy Spirit guides us and fills us with your holy wisdom as we walk with you each day. We know we can't do this life on our own but through you alone. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.