Nothing outside a person can defile them by going into them. Rather, it is what comes out of a person that defiles them.” For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. All these evils come from inside and defile a person.” -Mark 7:15‭, ‬21‭-‬23 NIV

Many years ago, a popular comedian named Flip Wilson got a lot of mileage out of an old expression used as an excuse since before I can remember: the devil made me do it. As Christians, we know that humanity is a fallen race in a fallen world whose only hope for redemption is the blood of Jesus. Once we accept His wonderful gift of salvation, the Holy Spirit comes to reside in us. When that happens, what is inside comes out — and that certainly should be His precious love.

Father, thank you for allowing us to receive and make use of the conviction and guidance of the Holy Spirit, helping us to grow ever closer to our Savior.