Ephesians 4:31-32 says, "Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you." (NLT)
So many who profess to be followers of Jesus don't read the Bible. It's so important for us to do this because it is the only way we can determine good from evil, truth from lies, and love from hate. Reading God's word is like drinking a cup of filtered coffee. It's warm and comforting, sweet (if you are like my husband who sugars it up) and may even have a bite to it. The Bible is much like a filter that we can process the world's "grounds" through. When we are renewing our mind daily through it (Romans 12:2), it helps us keep the grounds of bitterness, anger, rage, harsh words, and slander out. It only allows holiness and godliness to sooth our souls, and just like caffeine, keeps us alert to the schemes of Satan (and there are plenty of them).
Our minds are like the grounds basket in the coffee maker. If there's no filter, your cup of java is going to be gritty and bitter. But when you start your day with the truth of God's word (John 17:17), your cup will be sweet and smooth. Have you ever made a pot of coffee with the same filter of grounds? No way! This is what most of us do when we only receive the Sunday message and try to live Wednesday what we drank on Sunday. It's not the same.
So remember every time you make a pot of coffee, your mind is the basket, the Word of God is the filter, and the grounds represent life. Allow the Holy Spirit to pour into you something warm and delicious!
