So this is something I realized while Martin and Sharon were here (besides lots of things about Martin that I can't blog :)...
Praying for each other is vital. Helping each other is such a tangible way to bless each other and to bless Him.
But speaking truth to each other in love (Eph. 4:15) is so needed (and often absent) in His family!
True, sincere and uplifting encouragement and sound advice from Martin and Sharon along the way these past days has greatly blessed, helped and even changed my heart.
The impact of our words is outlined in Scripture and has been experienced by us all in positive and negative ways.
While it's unfortunately rather quick and easy to think of all of the mistakes and errors others and ourselves are making as we all try to fit perfect into fallen skin, if we can discipline ourselves to search for the positive and godly in one another...and then SAY IT...we have the potential to be Jesus to others in such a powerful and necessary way!
Because I've been so changed by the power of sincerely loving, encouraging, challenging and personal words this past week, I'm asking Him to help me speak (not just think) the truth (not making stuff up) in love (not out of selfish ambition) this week!
because we're family...
1 Timothy 5 : Do not sharply rebuke an older man, but rather appeal to him as a father, to the younger men as brothers, the older women as mothers, and the younger women as sisters, in all purity.
and because we're a family for His own possession...
Titus 2: But as for you, speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine.
2 Older men are to be temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, in love, in perseverance.
Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, 4 so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored.
6 Likewise urge the young men to be sensible; 7 in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, 8 sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.
....to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.
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