Don't Let The Devil Use You: 5 scriptures to read when your petty nature tries to come out

Sep 20

Article By Terry Billups // EEW Magazine // Spiritual

Petty Labelle, Petty Cake, and Peppermint Petty like to come out and play when someone gets on your last good nerve.

But being petty and snarky, even though it might feel good to our flesh, actually hinders our witness for Christ. After all, pettiness will have you tearing into the very person to whom you should be demonstrating the love of Christ.

Because we are human, we will always wrestle with our emotions and will need to control our petty nature that urges us to sweat the small stuff and engage others in a way that is unbecoming.

In other words we will sometimes want to let someone have it.

It’s easy to say or do something in the moment that appeases your petty side, but ask yourself, will God be glorified if I say or do that? — It’s easy to say or do something in the moment that appeases your petty side, but ask yourself, *will God be glorified if I say or do that?*

To help with this ongoing struggle, EEW Magazine Online is sharing 5 scriptures to remind you to hold your tongue, refrain from anger, and be the ambassador God is calling you to be—even when you desperately want to be petty!

“Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.” (Ephesians 4:29)
“Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.” (James 1:19)
Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.” (Colossians 4:6)
“Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.” (James 1:20)
“Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God.” (Ephesians 4:1)

We are all in a battle with our flesh. To win the war against our lower nature, we don’t have to look any further than the word of God. It is the go-to source that contains what we need to be strong and rise above pettiness every moment of the day.

We can do it through Christ who gives us strength.

Prayer: God, help me display the fruit of the spirit in my everyday life so when others look at me, they might see Your glory reflected back at them. In Jesus’ name, Amen.