Our behavior mirrors what we allow ourselves to dwell on. Grumpy thoughts produce grumpy people, just as an angry person reflects an angry disposition. When loving, helpful thoughts occupy the mind, we act toward others with love, joy, peace, and patience. Obsessive, negative thinking can take a person prisoner and harm relationships.
A key question to ask yourself is, what do my thoughts provide for helping me love God with all my mind? It takes discipline to train your mind to think only in positive, wholesome thought patterns. If this is hard to believe, try stopping unhealthy thoughts from occupying your mind.
Thank God, it’s possible to change what you dwell on by permitting the mind of Christ Jesus to take up residence in your mind. While it's impossible to prevent unwanted thoughts from surfacing, these thoughts can be rejected by refusing to nurture them. Keep reminding yourself of your commitment to love God with your entire mind.
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If our minds are ruled by our desires, we will die. But
if our minds are ruled by the Spirit, we will have life and peace.
~Romans 8:6 Contemporary English Version
Have this mind in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.
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