I will not execute my fierce anger. I am God and not man, the Holy One in your midst. Hosea 11:9 

God stood on the brink of executing judgment. When He looked upon His people, His heart was filled with waves of love. He controlled His anger instead of executing it. It’s as if He couldn’t stand the thought of the pain they would experience. He explains the reason for such holy restraint. He is God and not man. 

Because God is God ~ He did not leave me to die in my sins without any chance of being saved. He sent a Savior, even though it meant sending His Son for sacrifice.  He did not send me to eternal judgment, even though I deserved it. He credited all my sins to His Son’s account, the Son He loves. How humbling!  He forgave me for every wrong thing I did and I was made perfect when Jehovah Tsidkenu clothed me in His Son’s righteousness.

I am now His image bearer. I cling to righteousness and not to the ways of the anti-kingdom. God’s nature is being fully formed in me and I am perfect in my Father’s eyes. This affects every decision I make today.

A lover of righteousness ~ I can restrain my anger and redirect with love and good deeds. I can withhold what someone deserves and give grace instead. I can suspend making a list of wrongs done against me and offer someone a clean slate in its place.  And, I can pray for my accuser instead of delivering a pointed speech. Restraint, prudence, purification and redirection. These are the hallmarks of a child of God. 

I am Yours, dressed in Your perfection. I make different choices as I live by Your Spirit. Amen