"Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice." Ephesians 4:31
The manner in which we respond to circumstances is an outflow from what we nurture in our inner being. Our attitudes and feelings are influenced by the thoughts we allow to take root in our minds. Bitterness and anger thrive on thoughts of hurt. Thoughts of disrespect, rejection, and discontentment are the breeding ground for brawling and slander. Negative thoughts of any kind are a recipe to brew toxic behavior, harmful to the individual and those in a relationship with the person. Forgiveness is unheard of when we engage in and cultivate behaviors that damage relationships, rather than heal and promote growth.
For relationships to be healthy and to go the distance, a guard against toxic behavior must be diligently maintained. If not, the flow of love, understanding, and forgiveness, essentials for nourishing relationships, will be backed up or will slowly drip. Our vertical relationship with God, as well as the horizontal relationships with others, are in jeopardy due to the spread of toxicity. Anger towards people can turn into anger towards God or vice versa. There are a plethora of reasons to cause negative thoughts to form in our minds. However, if they are not uprooted before they begin to bloom, efforts to remove the toxins intensify. The practice of keeping a close watch on negativity entering our minds helps us to constantly rid ourselves of toxic behavior.
Forgiveness is essential for filtering out negative thoughts resulting from others’ trespasses. The choice to forgive is the first step, and the next step requires acknowledging that our success depends on submitting to the Holy Spirit’s prompting to bring about God’s will in our lives. Moreover, when we remind ourselves of the forgiveness we receive due to our shortcomings, the Holy Spirit compels us to do likewise. Matthew 6:12 teaches that as we forgive others, God forgives us. It behooves us to forgive quickly and often. This is possible when we remove the toxins that hinder the love of God from flowing freely to others from our hearts, regardless of offenses.
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” Matthew 6:12.
Cleansing ourselves of toxic behavior allows us to freely give and receive love. _ASA
Chronicles of ASA 