V:4 N:40

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
Ephesians 4:22-25-24

You have heard, to “put off the old and put on the new.” We will be completely different when you are led by the Spirit of God. You cannot stay the same! The picture of someone who has put off the old self and put on the new self is one of gentleness and kindness and love. And again, the only way to accomplish this is to love God FIRST. Merely being “kind” does not mean a person is a “new self.” There are people who are very kind to animals, yet are not submissive to their spouse or employer, or are not loving and patient with their children, or abuse their own bodies through overindulgence. Anyone can choose to be kind in only one category…but being led by God’s Spirit refers to a day-in, day-out consistent behavior of love to God first, and then fellow man, and then the animals. The old rage will be gone, replaced with true love and a new self!