1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NASB)
4 Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, 
5 does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, 
6 does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; 
7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

This week, as I was with fellow golfers after a round, someone brought up the name of one of our group that wasn’t there at the time.  I am ashamed to say that I spoke ill of that person.  As I was tempted to speak ill and as the words came out of my mouth, I could feel a twinge, knowing that what I was doing was wrong.  And yet, the words came out anyway.  I had forgotten about grace.  I had let pride propel me into saying something about another in order to elevate myself in the eyes of others.

I had forgotten that Jesus, although He could had let me have it about the sinful pride in my life, didn’t.  He instead said that I was forgiven.  I don’t deserve it, but freely accept it from God.  It should be so easy for me to do the same for others, yet I fail so often.  Praise God that He never forgets about grace.

Heavenly Father, I repent of my cold heart.  I pray that when I am tempted to speak ill of others, you would remind me of your grace.  Remind me before words are spoken.  Remind me as the thought comes into my mind and remove it.  Remind me that pride is a sin.  Remind me that I am no better than any other person.  I pray my actions and words would always bring glory to You.  I pray in the name of Jesus.  Amen.

Always praying for the glory of God.