speak the truth in love

Speaking The Truth In Love

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Our “tongue-control” determines much of how our lives impact others. Consider how much our parents’ words shaped our lives. Consider how much the right words from a friend have encouraged us. “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones” (Pro. 16:24, NIV). Consider how much the words of Scripture radically transform our lives. This impact from words is the reason it is so important to master our tongues; our words have the power to encourage and bless others. When we consider how little effort it takes, it is quite amazing that a few well-chosen words can infuse comfort or confidence into someone else’s heart. That is why Ephesians 4:15 states: “speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ” (ESV). Words are essential to the kinds of relationships God wants to see Continue Reading →

Weekly words of encouragement

Righteousness And Kindness Lead To Life – Weekly Words Of Encouragement

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Whoever pursues righteousness and kindnesswill find life, righteousness, and honor. Proverbs 21:21 (ESV) We have many options to pursue. We can pursue success, knowledge, popularity, money, hobbies, family and more. Some of these are legitimate pursuits, but they are all illegitimate if we do not pursue righteousness and kindness first. When we pursue these traits we pursue God because righteousness is a relationship with God and all kindness ultimately comes from God. When we put our priorities in proper order then we find life, more righteousness and honor from God. If our priorities are out of order then even though we may think we will find the good life in them, we will not. We can not find life and honor by making popularity with our family or knowledge of the bible more important than pursuing a righteous life or showing kindness even to offenders. So be encouraged by all Continue Reading →

Weekly words of encouragement

Helping The Needy Is Helping The Lord – Weekly Words Of Encouragement.

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Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord,and he will reward them for what they have done. Proverbs 19:17 (NIV) Followers of Jesus are naturally compassionate to the needy, which includes members of our own congregation. Yet, we can neglect this practice, so this verse reminds us that God is especially concerned about the poor. Helping the needy is helping the Lord; when you help the needy you are actually giving something to the Lord! Consider how excited you would be if Jesus were with you and asked for a meal. You would be thrilled to provide it for him because you honor him above all people. Supplying his needs would be a tremendous joy and privilege. Likewise, when you help a needy person, you can be excited about the fact that you are “lending” to the Lord! This passage reminds us of the parable of the sheep Continue Reading →

discernment

Pursuing Better Discernment

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Discernment is an essential trait for maturity. Paul prays for the Philippians: “It is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ” (Phil. 1:9-10, ESV). Thus, knowledge and discernment are needed in order to grow in love and pursue excellence and holiness in Christ. Discernment keeps us on the path to our destiny on the New Earth. If we lack discernment, then we will be prone to wasting days or years on detours pursuing teachings, ideas or impressions that do not lead to Christformation. If we are pursuing better discernment, then we will be able to avoid distractions and pitfalls and help others do likewise. The beginning of discernment is the humility to recognize that one needs God’s grace and wisdom to sort out Continue Reading →

Martin Luther king, Jr.

Martin Luther King, Jr. – Ten Commandments For Change

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In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr., we present a quote from Tod Bolsinger’s book Tempered Resilience which includes King’s ten commandments for his nonviolent movement, which are very much in accord with the teachings of Jesus. Maybe every member of our congregations should agree to these guidelines for every part of their lives? “For Martin Luther King Jr. the demands of a nonviolent public protest movement for racial equality and reconciliation led to the development of a commitment or rule of life that was very specific for furthering those ends. Every volunteer was required to sign a commitment card that read: I HEREBY PLEDGE MYSELF—MY PERSON AND BODY—TO THE NONVIOLENT MOVEMENT. THEREFORE I WILL KEEP THE FOLLOWING TEN COMMANDMENTS: 1. MEDITATE daily on the teachings and life of Jesus. 2. REMEMBER always that the nonviolent movement in Birmingham seeks justice and reconciliation—not victory. 3. WALK and TALK in the Continue Reading →