This morning I’m going to do something I rarely do. I’m going to talk to you about a few “don’ts”.
When I was a kid I received a lot of instruction; don’t touch the stove, it’s hot. Don’t throw rocks at the window. There was a skull and crossbones on the bottle of poison telling me not to drink it. Don’t run with scissors. Don’t cut the dogs hair. Don’t go swimming for an hour after you eat.
All of these, and many more, instructions were for my benefit from loving and caring parents.
The Apostle Paul is giving us some don’ts today. These come from our loving heavenly Father and are for our good and beneficial to our development as we grow in Christ.
“So stop lying to each other. Tell the truth to your neighbor. We all belong to the same body. 26 If you are angry, do not let it become sin. Get over your anger before the day is finished. 27 Do not let the devil start working in your life. 28 Anyone who steals must stop it! He must work with his hands so he will have what he needs and can give to those who need help. 29 Watch your talk! No bad words should be coming from your mouth. Say what is good. Your words should help others grow as Christians. 30 Do not make God’s Holy Spirit have sorrow for the way you live. The Holy Spirit has put a mark on you for the day you will be set free. 31 Put out of your life all these things: bad feelings about other people, anger, temper, loud talk, bad talk which hurts other people, and bad feelings which hurt other people. 32 You must be kind to each other. Think of the other person. Forgive other people just as God forgave you because of Christ’s death on the cross.” Ephesians 4:25-32 NLV
Each one of these instructions is for our benefit. Lying will destroy our character. Anger will give us ulcers and effect our heart. Stealing will get us thrown in jail or fired. Bad talk will separate family and friends.
On the other hand kindness, forgiveness, and thoughtfulness are beneficial and restorative.
The Bible is practical in its instruction. Let me put it this way, Don’t not follow the loving guidance that God gives us for a prosperous and peaceful life.