You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out, or you will be destroyed by each other. So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. (Gal 5:13-16 NIV)

Prayer: LORD, I sometimes respond hurtfully when I feel provoked or mistreated. Forgive me for excuses like, “I had to defend myself,” or “It’s just the way I am.” Give me the courage to confess this to You as the sin that it is, accept Your forgiveness, and learn to live in Your love both in my life and in the way I interact with others. I want the way I am to be an expression of who You are. Make it so, and help me not excuse bad behavior. In Jesus’ name, Amen.