It’s fun for kids to dress up and trick-or-treat. Back in the day, we would make up our own costumes. Many times they ended up being a combination of favorite T-shirts and something impressive.

There’s wisdom in the Proverb that speaks about hatred cloaking itself (like a Halloween costume). It tries to impress outwardly but is truly unimpressive, morally.

The good news, is that it will all be revealed in the end.

With deceit, the hate-filled person may try to cover up their motives, but those who look at the “fruit” of said life will not be duped.

Be not deceived, God is not mocked. Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. (Galatians 6:7, KJV)

Corruption is the result of not yielding to the Spirit of God. Life everlasting is the promise to every believer under the Holy Spirit’s control. (Galatians 6:8)

You may wonder how to come under God’s influence. First, you must believe that Christ Jesus is God’s Son who is able to pay for the salvation of everyone born under sin’s curse=death spiritually (includes all descendants of Adam).

When you receive Christ as Savior and LORD, you are born into God’s family (and given a new start).

To whom will you yield your life today? Is it to your own fleshly desires or to the Spirit of God who is in you? (upon spiritual rebirth, we are sealed with the promised Holy Spirit of God).

Even so-called “Christians” (i.e. in name only) can be given over to hatred. In the end, corruption will be their reward.

Lord, may I be quick to yield myself to Your Spirit. Please reveal those around me who may sound gracious but in actuality have abominably tricky lips. -Teresa

Proverbs 26:24-26English Standard Version

²⁴ Whoever hates disguises himself with his lips
    and harbors deceit in his heart;
²⁵ when he speaks graciously, believe him not,
    for there are seven abominations in his heart;
²⁶ though his hatred be covered with deception,
    his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.

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