After Renewed Responses

“How we react is a crucial gauge of what’s really going on inside us.”
- Lysa TerKeurst

What's in your cup? Yesterday, we looked at going after renewed responses as we see how what's inside is what comes out, especially when we get bumped. In Colossians 3:8-9, Paul gives a list of things we're told to "put away." Anger, wrath, malice, slander, filthy language, and lying to one another. This list captures the ways we're often tempted to respond to those around us and the challenges we face. While at first glance it's easy for me to dismiss most of the list as problems other people have, in digging into it I realize the extent each of these things are in me.

This is not a surprise to Paul (or God.) He writes to the Colossians, telling them to put them away, because he knows they are there. As we go after renewed responses, we can do so with humble empathy (Col. 3:7) and prayer reflection (Col. 3:9-10). Do not ignore these things in us, but look to the Holy Spirit to reveal where these things are rooted and trust God to care for it in us. We do this in prayer before the Lord and with trusted others. God has gifted His church with those who are able to come alongside us as we journey with Christ. This week, lean into the invitation to come to Jesus for the rest He offers and the restoration He promises!