We are to guard our hearts with all diligence, for out of our hearts come the forces of life. The devil is continually seeking entrance into our hearts through hurt feelings, strife, bitterness, anger, and offense. Study these steps I've listed on HOW TO GUARD YOUR HEART:

1. Don't Let the Sun go Down on Your Wrath
Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil (Eph. 4:26-27).

We are not to let a day go by without cleansing our hearts and getting rid of all anger, irritation, and offense. This includes offense against anyone and everyone - no matter how mean or hateful they are. The Bible is giving us clear instruction here. You may get angry with someone, but little stones of offense in our hearts soon can become big stumbling blocks to the flow of the power of God. Your faith will not work when you fail to walk in love.

2. Hold Your Tongue; Don't Give Way to Anger
"If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, or if thou hast thought evil, lay thine hand upon thy mouth" (Prov. 30:32).

Several times a day, you may be tempted to "give someone a piece of your mind." Proverbs 16:32 says, "He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city." In God's eyes, when you begin to rule your spirit instead of just giving way to anger and bad temper, you are mightier than the man who wins a battle and takes a city.

Now go before God in prayer and pray out whatever has come against your heart. When you are praying earnestly for someone who is trying your patience, you will fall in love with them. It is impossible to be angry with a brother and be asking God to bless them at the same time.

3. Pray 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 from the Amplified Bible Daily
Love endures long and is patient and kind; love never is envious nor boils over with jealousy; is not boastful or vainglorious, does not display itself haughtily. It is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride); it is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly. Love (God's love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it (PAYS NO ATTENTION TO A SUFFERED WRONG).

It does not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness, but rejoices when right and truth prevail. Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances and it endures everything (without weakening). Love never fails, (never fades out or becomes obsolete or comes to an end).

This is the God-kind of love that is in your heart because Jesus lives in you. It is one of the fruit of the Spirit. The love of God that is shed abroad in your heart will be a guard and protection when Satan tries to gain a foothold.

4. Pray in the Spirit (Tongues) Daily
"But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life" (Jude 20,21).

Praying in the Holy Spirit causes you to make progress in the things of God. You will grow much more quickly and be much stronger as you release your prayer language. The Holy Spirit will garrison round about you and mount guard in your heart as you continuously offer prayers to God in faith.

Additional Scripture: Mark 4:15-20

Source: Faith Building Daily Devotionals by Jerry Savelle
Excerpt permission granted by Jerry Savelle Ministries International