Quick Glance: For Your Heart Today

We all have those moments when our reactions don’t match the person we’re becoming. That’s because we’re still learning how to live in our new identity in Christ. In Ephesians 4:21–32, Paul paints a picture of spiritual transformation—not by rule-following, but through relationship with the Holy Spirit. He reminds us that we’ve been given a new nature, and we are invited to “throw off” the attitudes and habits of the old self, and “put on” the character of Christ.

This is more than behavior modification—it’s a Spirit-led, grace-empowered journey of becoming who we already are in Jesus. And the motivation? Love. We live differently because the One who lives in us is profoundly grieved when we settle for less than who we are—and lovingly empowers us to try again.

3 Takeaways

1. Throw Off What No Longer Fits.

Bitterness, falsehood, rage, and selfishness belong to your old self. They don’t fit you anymore. The Spirit helps you let them go.

2. Put On Your New Nature.

Kindness, forgiveness, truth, generosity, and love—these are the clothes of the new you. Through the Spirit’s renewing work, you can wear them daily.

3. Transformation, true change, comes from the inside out, not from a moral code of ethics.

The goal isn’t perfection—it’s relationship with God. The Holy Spirit grieves not because you broke a rule, but because you are deeply loved, and that love empowers change.

If You Only Have a Moment

Take a breath and receive this truth today:

Inhale: “Holy Spirit, remove what’s no me…”

Exhale: “…and dress me in love.”

Full Sermon Manuscript estimated reading time: 22 minutes