Friday, 11 September 2020 Proverbs 16:1-33
By mercy and love, truth and fidelity, iniquity is purged out of the heart, and by the reverent, worshipful fear of the Lord men depart from and avoid evil. -Proverbs 16:6 [AMP]
The Book of Proverbs is a Christian’s guideline for practical living and developing a personal relationship with God. Proverbs 16:6 provides deep spiritual insight into how we can live a life pleasing to God. Two things that God desires to see in each of us are emphasized here:
A Heart Purged of Iniquity (Prov 16:6a):
Since the fall of Adam and Eve, all mankind has been born into the curse of sin and death [Romans 5:12]. This curse could only be broken by the redemptive plan of God. By the great mercy and agape love of God, in sending Jesus Christ as atonement for our sin, all iniquity has been purged from the heart of the one who believes in the Son of God. This verse offers us the gospel in a nutshell. Loving kindness and truth have met together; Righteousness and peace have kissed each other. [Psalm 85:10] God’s loving kindness has fulfilled the truth of His promised Messiah and restored our peace with God. As we live in this world, we need these character traits to live a holy life free of iniquity. Reflecting on our lives, are we merciful and loving to others? Do we stand on the truth of God’s word? In James 2:17, the Apostle reminds us that “… faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.” Let us respond to others with the same measure of love and mercy we have received from our Heavenly Father that they may see Christ reflected in us and embrace Him.
A Life Devoid of Evil (Prov 16:6b):
In our daily lives, how can we be free of all kinds of evil, whether it be angry thoughts, unpleasant speech or loathsome actions? Having the right attitude towards God – one of reverential fear, enables us to avoid all evil. Fear of God does not mean that we are to be terrified of God like the Israelites were at His presence on the Mount Sinai [Exodus 20:18-19], but rather to have an attitude of deep respect and reverence, standing in awe of our Creator and Redeemer. The fear of the LORD is to hate evil. [Proverbs 8:13] When our hearts are fully tuned to this Holy God with a respectful, worshipful fear, there is no place for any form of evil in our lives. “…what does the LORD your God require from you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways and love Him, and to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul…” [Deuteronomy 10:12] Such an intense response to God engages every faculty of our being and there is no place for any other thought in us.
Do you wonder if it is possible in these times to live a live free from evil and iniquity? There is no doubt that is possible to do so. Let us with boldness proclaim, “I can live a life free of all sin, through Christ who strengthens me” [Paraphrasing Philippians 4:13]
Prayer:
Abba Father, It is my heart’s desire to live a life devoid of sin that I may present myself as a living sacrifice - holy and pleasing to You. I pray for Your strength to lead me daily. Amen.