especially after reading Proverbs 21:21, "He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour." When I follow after righteousness and mercy, I will find God's blessings. A result from this...I will want to see others have the same. How do I express that desire to others? I can pray for them. I can show them in my actions. I can tell them. Do I even try to express those things to others? Do I even care? I can do certain things and then totally destroy with the words I speak...and vice versa...I can say certain things and then destroy with my actions.
The damage of both is great!
I started thinking about some of my conversations in the last few days...What am I saying to people? What are we talking about? What do I say just in passing? Am I discreet in my conversations or do I babble and blab in a manner so that everyone around me hears?
Do I discourage those with whom I speak?
I've been thinking about a few of the discouraging things that have been said to me or to those that I love. The words have made an impact that have nothing to do with right, mercy, love, grace, and truth.
When we get ready to spout off or interject something into a conversation, we really need to stop and think. Will I be administering grace to those that hear me? Colossians 4:6 Would Christ speak these words? Would I be bold enough to say the same words to Him? Is what I am going to say edifying? Profitable? Helpful? Kind? Ephesians 4:32
We are surrounded by people who think differently and are at different stages of life. Christ was amongst various people groups too...yet He always spoke the truth boldly and in love...without sin. His motives were pure and served His Father's purpose. I submit that the words that have brought discouragement to me were out of selfish motives and purposes. I understand that we all have different perspectives, opinions, and experiences. But I do know that we all have something more we can learn...older and younger. If we "have been around for awhile" and are God's children...we have much to learn about speaking discouraging words to those younger and still growing spiritually. We are all at various stages in our Christian walk.
Titus 2:4 There are those who may have walked where we will walk and those who have many years to their name, yet are spiritually immature and should be challenged to think God's Word.
I Timothy 4:12
Proverbs 8:5
Romans 16:18-19
No matter where we fall in our years and maturity...we are responsible and will be held accountable for the discouraging words we speak.
"Just because" or "we don't do things like that" or "we have always done this" or "you may think that is a great man" or "well, that is your opinion" or "that is their philosophy, not ours" or "it hasn't worked in the past" or "I don't agree with that"or constant complaining and disagreement...ARE NOT reasons to give those who are still learning and growing!
How many people are being discouraged in the work of the Lord...because of our spiritual immaturity? unbiblical thinking? lazy excuses? stubborn hearts? undisciplined tongues?
It is more than you actually want to think...or admit to! Next time you ask the question, "Where is everyone? Why is nobody here?" Honestly, with many of the words, actions, and attitudes why would anyone want what we supposedly say we have?
Consider your words, actions, and attitudes...it just might be our fault!
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