READ I THESSALONIANS 3:6–13
Tess lived what she considered a good Christian life. She taught children’s church and led a ladies’ Bible study. However, as she read the Scripture, she realized she needed to go deeper with God. So, she asked the Lord to show her any area that needed change.
As Tess prayed, she felt the Holy Spirit pointing out areas of her life she hadn’t thought much about before. Thoughtless and unkind comments others made toward her hurt her feelings. Sometimes, Tess nursed these hurts for months, and bitterness developed toward the person who had spoken them. As she became aware of this, she realized that she needed to repent and forgive the people involved. By extending forgiveness she found true freedom in Christ and love for those who had wronged her.
May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you (1 Thessalonians 3:12).
Although Tess was free of the more obvious sins like rage, lust, and gossip, she had fallen victim to a subtle form of pride that crippled her life and ministry.
Prayer Suggestion: Lord, help me trust and listen to Your direction to be cleansed of subtle sins.
