And we know he lives in us because the Spirit he gave us lives in us.

1 John 3:24 NLT

Words can hurt … deep within the soul.

In that moment of pain … I have a choice … revenge or forgiveness?

My response matters.

Sometimes, I have wondered … God, where are You today? Why are You quiet?

And I think back to my actions … Did I forgive? No, I did not.

Humbly, I realize … I hurt someone with my words … I sought revenge.

Have you done this too? 

I know Jesus knows … He is watching and listening … He knows everything …

Dear Children, let‘s not merely say that we love each other, let us show the truth by our actions.
Our actions will show that we belong to the truth, so we will be confident when we stand before God. Even if we feel guilty, God is greater than our feelings, and he knows everything (1 John 3:18-20 NLT).

In the quiet of my heart, I am convicted.

I am so sorry … I seek God’s forgiveness and the forgiveness of the one I hurt.

Dear friends, if we don’t feel guilty, we can come to God with bold confidence.
And we will receive from him whatever we ask because we obey him and do the things that please him (1 John 3:21-22 NLT).

I am so thankful … God’s forgiveness is real.

Jesus reminds me …

And this is his commandment: We must believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another. Those who obey God’s commandments remain in fellowship with him, and he with them. And we know he lives in us because the Spirit he gave us lives in us (1 John 3:23-24 NLT).

Jesus speaks to me and says … “I have loved you with an everlasting love” (Jeremiah 31:3) … “Now … show my loving-kindness to another.”

In a moment, in my obedience, in God’s forgiveness … my fellowship is restored with Him.

I know His Spirit is always there … but now I can hear Jesus clearly within my heart again.

Father, in the quiet of my heart, You speak to me about my words and my actions. When my heart is right, Your love will overflow out of me causing me to speak or do things in loving-kindness from You. In this way, I will know that Your Spirit lives within me. Help me hear You so I can love others as You direct me. In Jesus name I pray, amen.

Stacy A. Davis