DATE POSTED
Sunday, June 28, 2026, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa Apartment Homes, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Feel free to read the following scripture verses in your own Bible.

1 Corinthians 13:5 ~ It (love) does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. (NLT)

Proverbs 19:11 ~ Good sense and discretion make a man slow to anger, and it is his honor and glory to overlook a transgression or an offense [without seeking revenge and harboring resentment]. (AMP)

APPLICATION – as inspired by the Holy Spirit
I hope you’ve taken a moment to read the verses referenced above, as they’ll help you better grasp the context of this devotional.

Isn’t it fascinating how the right thing to do is rarely the easiest thing to do? That is exactly why we cannot rely on our own strength to live out our faith. We desperately need God’s power and wisdom to protect our hearts and mirror His character.

What surprises many of us, though, is how the exact same flaws we struggled with before knowing Jesus can still rear their ugly heads after we cross the line of faith. Irritability, impatience, and a quick temper don’t automatically vanish; they require daily surrender. Let’s look a little deeper at what changes when Jesus enters the picture.

Before Christ: Pleasing “Me, Myself, and I”

Before we were accountable to God, most of us lived by the world’s standards. Our words and actions were shaped by culture, peer pressure, and the constant pursuit of attention. In that mindset, looking out for “number one” was the priority. We didn’t always care if our sharp words hurt someone else’s character or standing, as long as we got ahead. It was a life built entirely around pleasing ourselves.

After Christ: Aligning with the Plumbline

Think of a construction worker who constantly uses a plumbline – a simple weighted string – to make sure a wall is perfectly straight, level, and secure. In Christ, we finally found our ultimate Plumbline. Jesus told us that He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. When we walk in His ways, our lives naturally begin to align with His perfect standard.

But let’s be honest: as long as we are living in this messy world, we will be tested. We will feel pulled between our old habits and God’s expectations. The beautiful advantage for the believer is that we don’t just follow a rulebook; we know the Plumbline personally. Every single day, we can draw strength from a relationship with Jesus to help us align with His heart. Living like a child of the King isn’t about trying harder in our own strength; it’s about leaning heavier on His strength. Through His power, His wisdom, and by quietly listening to the Holy Spirit, we can overcome the petty things that used to instantly irritate us. We can stand firmly in His peace, choosing to overlook offenses rather than letting them drag us back into our old ways. Remember, in Christ, you are a brand-new creation. Even in the most frustrating situations, your life can be a powerful reflection of His grace.

PRAYER
Father, thank You for being the anchor and the plumbline of my life. Forgive me for the moments when I let my old nature take the driver’s seat and allow irritability to rule my heart. Lord, I cannot stay calm or overlook offenses in my own strength. I need Your Holy Spirit to fill me today. Give me the discretion to be slow to anger and the grace to let go of slights. Let my reactions to challenging situations reflect Your love and bring glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

FOOTNOTE
If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please take advantage of the information provided on my page ‘To Know Jesus’. Alternatively, consider speaking with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. I pray that one of God’s servants will pray with you and offer help and encouragement as you begin, or continue, your walk with Jesus. If you would like to read more of my devotionals, please visit NuggetsFromGodsWord.org, or if you choose, subscribe to receive a daily email containing each new devotional, as you will also find that option on this page. Friends, I encourage you to find a Bible teaching church home near your residence and attend as frequently as possible. Get to know God and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian walk while you invite God to work through you to bless them. God is at work among His people! Please consider being a part of that while also growing in your faith as you worship with fellow believers!