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Sins of the Spirit

by Dixie Phillips  
10/08/2007 / Christian Living

The older brother was angry and wouldn't go in. Luke 15:28a NLT

Lord, today I was angry. When friendship was extended, I responded coolly. I felt justified. After what "she" had said, I had a right to treat her that way. Who does "she" think "she" is making such condescending statements? I haven't done anything to deserve her cruel comments. In the long run, this will teach her a valuable lesson -- her behavior is unacceptable. I will not reward such dysfunction. After all, her attitude is totally despicable and it goes against the teaching in Your Word, Lord. I certainly don't want to enable her. I've settled it once and for all. I am right. No doubt about it. There is no need in my discussing it any more. I am positively........ positively miserable.

"Why am I in such unrest, Lord? How is it possible that I can I be right and yet be so wrong?"

In the depths of my soul, I discern "I" am part of the problem. "I" am like the prodigal son's older brother, who wouldn't go in because of his diseased soul. Thank you, Holy Spirit, for giving me a much-needed diagnosis -- sins of the spirit; a spiritual malady, which can render the patient powerless to love. Many times manifestations can be masked and difficult to detect, but only for a short time. If not given a biblical antidote, the disease can spread to vital organs of the body.

Symptoms include:
Polite coolness when friendship is available
Consumed with proving your point
Touchiness, sensitivity
Needing to persuade others to embrace your point of view
Loving your opinions more than you love people

I whisper a prayer, "Forgive me, Lord. I'll righten my wrong. Life is too short for me to feed this grudge. Now where is my cell phone? I need to call and check on my friend."

Dixie is a pastor's wife, ghostwriter, mother of four grown children, and grandmother of five "perfect" grandchildren. You can find out more about the ministry she and her husband are involved in at www.floydslighthouse.com. Guardian Angel Publishing has published 10 of Dixie's children's books.

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