Life?

Why do some believe that being a Christ follower means giving up things they want or think they love? What do you think? Now, this seems strange to me. The things we have to give up are harmful to ourselves and others: lying, adultery, overindulgence of food and drink, hate, murder, resentment, stealing and the like.

1 Peter 2:1 Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking.

Ephesians 4:29-31 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is necessary for edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.

Do any of the things bring us joy, peace, or make us feel better? Jesus way brings a clear conscious and He binds up our wounds and heals our broken hearts.

Psalm 84:10-11 For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand . I would rather be a door keeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wickedness. For the Lord is a sun and a shield; the Lord will give grace and glory; NO good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly.

Psalm 147:3-4 He heals the broken hearted and binds up their wounds. He counts the number of stars and calls them all by name.

Proverbs 3:7-8 Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh and strength to your bones.

Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self control. Against such there is no law.

Which will we choose? Life or death? Peace or hate?

Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called sons of God.