“But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.” 2 Timothy 3:1-5 NIV

There are more bullies now than ever: unholy people, without natural affection. It’s like they’re not even human some of them, hmmmm? But we know God can change any heart He chooses to. He changed us, didn’t He? And He forgave us too. That’s my consolation when I think of bullies. Some of these coldhearted folks really belong to God. They just don’t know it yet.

God desires that we work with Him in saving souls, not work against Him by returning evil for evil.

“On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:20-21 NIV

Who knows if a bully we know will become like the apostle Paul? Paul (who’s name was Saul) went around persecuting the church of God in the first century? He went from House to house snatching believers out of their homes and throwing them in jail. He also approved of their murders. This same guy who so zealously persecuted the church later became a bold Christian himself! You can read about him in the Bible book of Acts.

Stories like Saul’s (who​ later became the Christian known as Paul) give me comfort when I think of the bullies I encounter. No wonder Jesus says to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. (Matthew 5:43-48) Some​ of them are us, they just don’t know it yet. They too will one day know what it’s like to be bullied or persecuted because of their faith in Jesus Christ:

“In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord,” he answered. The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.” “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.” But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” Acts 9:10-16 NIV

Of course every bully will not repent and come to Jesus like Saul did. Most bullies are who they are: children of the Devil. They have all of their father’s evil traits. They always lie, love to harass people, and use fear tactics to control others. Fire and sulfur, eternal torment in the lake of fire will be their reward:

“But cowards, unbelievers, the corrupt, murderers, the immoral, those who practice witchcraft, idol worshipers, and all liars-their fate is in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” Revelation 21:8 NLT

Yes, the Devil has children too. We are not all God’s children like some say. That’s a lie:

“This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not God’s child, nor is anyone who does not love their brother and sister.” 1 John 3:10 NIV

Jesus told a group of religious folks this:

“You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” John 8:44 NIV

So you see the scriptures testify that there are children of God and children of the Devil.

Do not be surprised at how evil people are today. It is written that it would be this way. (2 Timothy 3:1-5) We are very much in the last days. And remember, some of those same bullies are us, they just don’t know it yet. But who will tell them about Jesus’ love and forgiveness? That’s where you and I come in. We have the awesome privilege of being fellow workers with almighty God! Be very careful not to let their conduct cause us to grow hateful. If our love grows cold Satan has gotten the victory over us.

“Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.” Matthew 24:12-13 NIV

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“Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own actions were evil and his brother’s were righteous. Do not be surprised, my brothers and sisters, if the world hates you. We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love each other. Anyone who does not love remains in death. Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him.” 1 John 3:12-15 NIV

Do you love your brothers and sisters? That is why you are so hated. You and I live in a world where the love of most has grown cold. (Matthew 24:12) We live in a world where most have the spirit of Cain who hated and murdered his brother. Only a few have the spirit of Abel who loved God and his brother. Yes, it’s that cut and dry. People either belong to God or they belong to the Devil:

“This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not God’s child, nor is anyone who does not love their brother and sister.” 1 John 3:10 NIV

To God there are only 2 classes of people: those who are already dead, or those who have passed from death to life through their faith in Jesus Christ. If you are truly alive you will always be attacked and harassed by the walking dead because of your faith in Jesus. If you are never attacked you need to examine yourself to see if you are truly in the faith. (2 Corinthians 13:5) The Bible says that all who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted:

“Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” 2 Timothy 3:12 NLT

But remember, when you follow Jesus and love the brethren (and even your enemies) this shows that you have passed from death to life. You are alive indeed. You have eternal life! How great is it then that you have the privilege of suffering for Jesus Christ and are being persecuted because of Him:

“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Matthew 5:10-12 NIV

“For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him.” Philippians 1:29 NLT

“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.” 1 Peter 4:12-13 NIV

“It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us.” 2 Timothy 2:11-12 KJV

Jesus wants us to turn our focus on what being persecuted for Him means not on how it feels. And I can tell you from experience that when we do this it doesn’t feel as bad anymore. But when we focus on what others are doing to us our problems get magnified like looking through a magnifying glass, and it hurts way more. To illustrate, take a small dime and hold it close to your face. It’s now big because you have it up close in focus. Now move that dime as far away from your eyes as your arm will extend. It’s quite small now, isn’t it? Because it’s out of focus. That’s how troubles are. Whatever we focus on the most becomes bigger. And anything out of focus becomes significantly smaller. You and I must learn to focus on the right things and not on the wrong things. Let’s focus on how big our God is by holding Him up close to our eyes; by studying and meditating on His words, His faithful dealings with us in the past, and His awesome promises.

You believe God, right? You believe that He can’t lie, correct? Then listen to what God says about our troubles:

“For our LIGHT AND MOMENTARY troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 NIV

God says that our troubles are light and momentary. So if they feel super heavy, and like they will never end, can it be because we are focussing on them, or viewing them the wrong way? Shouldn’t we pray to God to give us His view, His perspective when it comes to our trials? He will help us if we ask Him. (James 1:5-8)

Everything I’m encouraging you to do I am guilty of not doing. Like you I am learning and fighting to do God’s will every day. I also know from experience how terrible things go when I don’t obey God and keep worrying about stuff. I don’t want to be stuck on stupid so I’m fighting hard to do things God’s way, the much better way. When you think about it, is it wise to compound problems we already have with another heavy load called WORRY?

JESUS SAID DON’T WORRY

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:25-34 NIV

One of the most coolheaded people I know is my son. He is not easily excited about anything. There are times I wish I was more like him. Recently I was facing a trial and pondering the way my son handles things. Then I heard a small still voice inside me say, “You taught him well. Now do what you taught him to do. Don’t worry.” Guys we must fight through prayer and study of God’s word to keep our eyes focussed on Jesus Christ, not on our problems. They will appear bigger than they really are if we focus on them. We will be doing ourselves much harm if we don’t obey Jesus who says, “Don’t worry.”

In conclusion I would like to leave you with a quote I once heard on someone’s voicemail greeting. The lady wished whoever was calling her a good day and said, “Instead of looking at your problems and how big they are, look at your problems and tell them how big your God is.” Wow! That stuck with me for years. It’s one of the greatest quotes I’ve ever heard because it agrees with something Jesus said. It goes like this:

“He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:20 NIV

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“We know, dear brothers and sisters, that God loves you and has chosen you to be his own people. For when we brought you the Good News, it was not only with words but also with power, for the Holy Spirit gave you full assurance that what we said was true. And you know of our concern for you from the way we lived when we were with you. So you received the message with joy from the Holy Spirit in spite of the severe suffering it brought you. In this way, you imitated both us and the Lord. As a result, you have become an example to all the believers in Greece-throughout both Macedonia and Achaia.” 1 Thessalonians 1:4-7 NLT

In the verse above it is clear who really gets the gospel message and are truly saved. First of all they are God’s elect or chosen. This is a work done by the Holy Spirit. It does not originate with man. When the Holy Spirit is speaking to someone being saved He gives them full assurance that what he/she is hearing is the truth. The Spirit demonstrates this not only with words but also with power:

“And the disciples went everywhere and preached, and the Lord worked through them, confirming what they said by many miraculous signs.” Mark 16:20 NLT

“God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.” Hebrews 2:4 NIV

Those who are truly saved receive the message with joy, and don’t let it go in spite of persecution that comes because of believing in God’s word. This is in contrast to the many who are called but are not chosen:

“For many are called, but few are chosen.” Matthew 22:14 KJV

“The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message about the Kingdom and don’t understand it. Then the evil one comes and snatches away the seed that was planted in their hearts. The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word. The seed that fell among the thorns represents those who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life and the lure of wealth, so no fruit is produced. The seed that fell on good soil represents those who truly hear and understand God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!” Matthew 13:19-23 NLT

Jesus makes it very clear who is really saved. If we want a relationship with Almighty God we can repent while there is yet time. God will forgive us for all of our sins. All we have to do is ask him. All we have to do is confess to Him that we have not lived up to His righteous standard, and repent from our hearts. Let him know that you do want to live for Him and ask Him to guide you. The benefits of doing this are staggering! Jesus will give you a new life. He will help you build your life the way God wants it to be; a life filled with love, joy, peace, and many good things. More than that the moment you repent you now have eternal life. That’s right! When you breathe your last breath on earth you will be with God in heaven forever, never again to experience any more pain or sorrow. Repent to God. Accept Jesus’ sacrifice for your sins. He loves you so much and doesn’t want anyone to perish. He will forgive you no matter what you have done. Just bring it to Him in prayer. And don’t worry, He will show you what to do next.

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“And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.” 1 John 5:19 KJV

“In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.” 2 Corinthians 4:4 KJV

“Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience.” Ephesians 2:2 KJV

“This great dragon-the ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, the one deceiving the whole world-was thrown down to the earth with all his angels.” Revelation 12:9 NLT

“Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’ ” Matthew 4:8-10 NIV

“When the seventy-two disciples returned, they joyfully reported to him, “Lord, even the demons obey us when we use your name!” “Yes,” he told them, “I saw Satan fall from heaven like lightning! Look, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them. Nothing will injure you. But don’t rejoice because evil spirits obey you; rejoice because your names are registered in heaven.” Luke 10:17-20 NLT

“Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out.” John 12:31 NIV

“Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:13-14 KJV

All the verses above prove that the whole world system is ran by Satan the Devil, and he rules everyone in it except those who have been set free by Jesus Christ. (John 8:31-32) That’s why the world we call reality is so fake. It takes after it’s master; the angel who so desperately wants to be God. This world is filled with every imagined and unimaginable falsehood. Let’s examine just a few.

Our political system is fake. The religious system is fake. The medical system is fake. The entertainment industry that makes people look more beautiful than they really are is fake. The news isn’t real. The banking system is fake. The economy is fake. Your food is fake. Your water is fake. Jewelry is fake. Artwork is fake too. Knowledge that people are given about the origin of life and our physical world; that it all came by a big bang, all fake! Explosions don’t create meticulous order. They produce chaos. Men today are fake and women are fake too. Hair is fake. Body parts are fake. All the supposed history in the history books of the world is fake. People we praise as heros are really villains, hence fake. Your friends are fake. So are your enemies. Contracts are fake. Insurance policies are fake. Craftsmanship is fake. The education system is fake. Wars are fake. Not that people don’t die in them, but the reasons we’re given for having wars are fake. I can go on and on and on. This entire world system of things is fake! It’s garbage! And no wonder, it’s ran by Satan the Devil, the epitome of fakeness.

THE REAL LIFE

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 NIV

There’s the real life! It’s all found in Jesus. Whoever believes in Him has eternal life! Whoever does not will perish​ forever. There is nothing fake about Jesus. Of course there’s a whole lot of hypocrites out there who claim to represent Him. But nothing is fake about Jesus Himself. He’s so real that even His enemies strive super hard to prove that He doesn’t exist. And as far as the many religious hypocrites out there that claim Jesus with their mouths but dishonor Him with their lifestyles, Jesus said:

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ ” Matthew 7:21-23 NIV

Jesus foretold there would be many religious people claiming to belong to Him. But, “I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!” is what they will hear on the day of judgment. So don’t pick apart Jesus Christ because of what these fakers do. Get to know who Jesus really is for yourself by studying the Bible accounts of the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. See for yourself if there is any fakeness about Him.

For those of us who strive to avoid all forms of hypocrisy and are convinced of who Jesus really is I leave you with this final encouragement:

“Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News. Don’t be intimidated in any way by your enemies. This will be a sign to them that they are going to be destroyed, but that you are going to be saved, even by God himself. For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him. We are in this struggle together. You have seen my struggle in the past, and you know that I am still in the midst of it.” Philippians 1:27-30 NLT

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“Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.”

I love this passage because it conquers the flesh. It is everything opposite of human nature. It is God! You and I were born selfish. The problem is sin. It produces selfishness. No effort is needed to be this way it’s automatic. We inherited it from our first parent Adam along with a host of other evils:

“Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man [Adam], and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned.” Romans 5:12 NIV

UNSELFISHNESS

Because we are naturally inclined to be selfish God’s Spirit is needed to be the opposite.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23 NIV

Everything about God is unselfish. HE HAS DONE AND STILL DOES FOR US THINGS HE DOESN’T HAVE TO DO! God is so good He even takes care of His enemies:

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. HE CAUSES HIS SUN TO RISE ON THE EVIL AND THE GOOD, AND SENDS RAIN ON THE RIGHTEOUS AND THE UNRIGHTEOUS. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Matthew 5:43-48 NIV

God shows us the best way to live, it is by imitating Him. Those who have the faith to obey His commands know just how much following Jesus’ teachings benefits them. When we live by the Spirit and go against our flesh we always experience blessings, and some very pleasant surprises. If we hang in there with Jesus and do not give up we will understand what He means when He says:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 NIV

SHOW KINDNESS TO THE UNTHANKFUL AND EVIL?

“But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.” Luke 6:35-36 KJV

Jesus raises the bar; He commands that we do good to others expecting nothing in return, even the unthankful and evil. Yes, that includes those who hate your guts. That’s a lot for the selfish flesh to digest sometimes. But we (God’s children) are growing into the image of Jesus Christ who is the epitome of unselfishness. Have we come to realize yet that our very existence is to glorify God? What awesome rewards and joys we receive when we obey Him! When we’re loving, generous, and compassionate, we are walking with God. Here are some wonderful verses to ponder regarding this:

“One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” Proverbs 11:24-25 NIV

“And if your brother becomes poor and is not able to make a living, then you are to keep him with you, helping him as you would a man from another country who is living among you. Take no interest from him, in money or in goods, but have the fear of your God before you, and let your brother make a living among you. Do not take interest on the money which you let him have or on the food which you give him. I am the Lord your God, who took you out of the land of Egypt to give you the land of Canaan, that I might be your God.” Leviticus 25:35-38 BBE

“Blessed is the one who considers the poor! In the day of trouble the Lord delivers him; the Lord protects him and keeps him alive; he is called blessed in the land; you do not give him up to the will of his enemies. The Lord sustains him on his sickbed; in his illness you restore him to full health.” Psalms 41:1‭-‬3 ESV

“But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.)”  2 Corinthians 9:6-9 KJV

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“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4 NIV

Does the Lord test us solely to see how we’re gonna react in certain situations? Does He do this to see if we’re good enough to warrant His favor? First of all, why would the one who is the Alpha and the Omega, the begining and the end, the first and the last, the past, the present, and the future, need to see anything? (Revelation 22:13) He already knows. And secondly, if the Lord tests us to see if we’re good enough to warrant His love these next verses are null and void:

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” Romans 3:23-24 KJV

No one is good enough to deserve God’s favor. Having God’s favor is a merciful gift. A gift that is only made possible through Jesus Christ. When God tests us he is REFINING us. This matches scripture:

“In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” 1 Peter 1:6-7 NIV

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” John 15:1-2 NIV

“For thou, O God, hast proved us: thou hast tried us, as silver is tried. Thou broughtest us into the net; thou laidst affliction upon our loins. Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place.” Psalm 66:10-12 KJV

Often our trials show US things about ourselves. We get to see where we must improve to reflect the image of Jesus Christ. God knows us through and through and where we need to grow. For example, on the night that Jesus was arrested Peter promised Jesus he would never desert Him. But Jesus looked right at him and said,

“Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” Matthew 26:34 NIV

“Now Peter was sitting out in the courtyard, and a servant girl came to him. “You also were with Jesus of Galilee,” she said. But he denied it before them all. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said. Then he went out to the gateway, where another servant girl saw him and said to the people there, “This fellow was with Jesus of Nazareth.” He denied it again, with an oath: “I don’t know the man!” After a little while, those standing there went up to Peter and said, “Surely you are one of them; your accent gives you away.” Then he began to call down curses, and he swore to them, “I don’t know the man!” Immediately a rooster crowed. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: “Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly.” Matthew 26:69-75 NIV

It’s not God who needs to see

to show you you

and show me me

He already knows

Jesus already knew what Peter would do. But Peter had no idea what his heart was capable of.

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” Jeremiah 17:9 KJV

Peter learned some things about himself from his trial. Though he fell flat on his face he profited from his experience. Because he persevered (did not give up) he soon grew to become the pillar of the church Jesus said he would be:

“And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Matthew 16:18 KJV

Like Peter our trials show us US. They can show where we need to grow into the image of Jesus Christ. And they should also be showing us just how Awesome and Merciful our Holy God is to Love us in spite of how wretched we are in these fleshly bodies. (Romans 7:21-25)

“The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever. He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him. For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.” Psalm 103:8-14 KJV

PATIENCE/PERSEVERANCE

“Being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6 WEB

Just as God is patient with us we need to be patient with ourselves and one another. We can be confident as the scripture says that God will fulfill His promises to us. He will complete the work in us He began. When you feel down about your trials, or when your sins upset you, remember and meditate on God’s promises. Remember His mercy for those who come to Him with a repentant heart. (Proverbs 28:13) This gives us strength and confidence. Feelings are fickeled, but not God. He will do in our lives what He said he would. All we have to do is believe Him and persevere (not give up).

Our trials though many are actually perfecting us, making us complete in God’s sight. This is a cause for joy! Everything the enemy throws our way to destroy us God makes work out for our good.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” Romans 8:28-32 NIV

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“Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” Proverbs 28:13 NIV

Jesus promises to forgive us if we confess our sins with a repentant heart. Then why is it so hard for many to admit their sins? One reason is they don’t have a repentant heart. Some have lied to themselves so much about their sins they believe they’re wrongs are right. It’s always what others are doing to them, they’re never wrong. Or they’re never wrong enough to see the need to repent.

Fear keeps many from confessing their sins. They’re horrified of how others will view them if they tell the truth. They’re afraid of destroying relationships if they admit to the evil they’ve done. Can you imagine how difficult it would be to admit to a spouse that you have cheated? Nevertheless it must be done to have friendship with God. But people would rather have the approval of one another than the approval of God who says if we confess and renounce our sins He will show us mercy. When we pretend to be who we are not (live a double life) this is a form of deception and manipulation. And many who live like this call themselves Christians.

If a person doesn’t know the first thing about confession of guilt because of sin how can they be a servant of Christ? Confession of sins with a repentant heart is Jesus 101. This is the very basics of Jesus’ teachings. We see it throughout the Bible. Being convicted of one’s sins and confessing them is the first step to getting to know God. So if someone claims to be a believer but just can’t own up to their sins they are lying. (1 John 1:7-10) They may not know it but Satan has deceived them greatly. He has a strong hold on them.

“Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” James 5:16 KJV

GOD SAYS to confess your faults (sins is also the meaning of the Greek word here) to one another, and pray for one another. And the reward He says is, “THAT YE MAY BE HEALED.” This matches Proverbs 28:13 which says those who confess and renounce their sins find God’s mercy. I don’t know about you but I prefer God’s mercy over how I’m viewed by you or anyone else. So I’m gonna tell on myself! That’s what confession means; to squeal on yourself, not anybody else. I’m gonna share my faults and sins, with my brothers and sisters and ask them to pray for me. God says if I do this I get healed. I want God’s healing. I desire that way more than how I’m viewed by others. Some of you know exactly what I’m talking about because you feel the same way too. So let us keep obeying God and be willing to share our mess-ups and mishaps with one another. This also encourages the brethren by letting them know they’re not the only ones going through this struggle with sin. (Galatians 5:17)

People who conceal their sins are operating in deceit. They are walking in the power of darkness. They have opened the door wide for Satan to come in and destroy them. Let us please never make that horrible mistake. The flames of hell are waiting for those who refuse to confess, renounce, and repent of their sins. For those who put good for evil and darkness for light eternal flames in the lake of fire will be their reward. (Revelation 21:8) Then it will be too late to confess. Nothing can be done then. Confess and renounce your wrongs now, and turn from doing evil to doing good NOW, before it is too late!

ENCOURAGEMENT FOR TRUE SEEKERS OF GOD

If you are a servant of God who can admit your sins these next comforting passages are for you. Fakers like to use them as a license to sin. (Jude 1:4) But these next verses are truly yours.

“We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God’s law, but in my sinful nature a slave to the law of sin.” Romans 7:14-25 NIV

“Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.” Hebrews 10:22 NIV

“How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?” Hebrews 9:14 KJV

“He is the one all the prophets testified about, saying that everyone who believes in him will have their sins forgiven through his name.” Acts 10:43 NLT

“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” 1 John 1:7-10 KJV

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“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.” James 1:19-20 KJV

What agitates your soul? What can create in us even a violent reaction? These are the things Satan will cause (and God will allow) in our lives. We just read in James that when we’re angry we can’t live for God. That’s why the evil one will constantly try to get us angry. And God allows it giving us the opportunity to learn how to deal with anger His way.

“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:29-32 KJV

God just told us how to deal with anger. We must be very careful to guard our speech. No corrupt words should proceed out of our mouths. Only what is helpful for edifying. We must be kind and tenderhearted to one another. And forgive each other just as God forgave us. This is the playbook for dealing with anger. Reciting it is one thing, execution is another.

“Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil.” Ephesians 4:26-27 KJV

If I told you that those who ignore God’s counsel on how to deal with anger are literally opening up their homes to the Devil you might say I’m going too far. But not according the definition of the word, “PLACE,” in Ephesians 4:27. The word means to give someone a spot, a space, an inhabited place, occupation, a station, opportunity, power, an occasion for acting, etcetera. Do you see why God tells us to avoid anger?

“Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.” Ecclesiastes 7:9 KJV

Have you ever heard someone say, “I’m gonna settle down?” That means they’re looking for a permanent place or situation. That same phrase, “settle down,” is the definition of the word, “RESTETH,” in Ecclesiastes 7:9. Yes, anger, “settles down,” in the BOSOM of fools God says. Now that’s too close for comfort. Just as the Spirit of the Lord can rest upon someone, the spirit of anger (which is Satan) can rest on someone too:

“If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.” 1 Peter 4:14 NIV

We should avoid human anger like the plague it is. Anger gives Satan and his demons a place in our lives to work their misery and destruction.

FORGIVENESS

I believe forgiveness is the greatest antidote to anger. Being able to let things go also shows we have great understanding:

“He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.” Proverbs 14:29 KJV

Do we really understand just how flawed we are and everyone else is around us because of sin? (Psalm 51:5 Romans 3:23) Then should we really expect everything to go so smoothly? For nobody to do anything that upsets us? On the contrary we should expect to be tempted when it comes to anger. We just read that anger gives the Devil a stronghold in our lives. He is the chief enemy of God and his people. So we better expect situations to arise that cause us to get angry. And sometimes we will become angry rightfully so. ‘Become angry but do not sin,’ is what Ephesians 4:26 is saying. Do not act on angry feelings. And do not, DO NOT, let the sun go down while you are still angry. This means you’ve accepted God’s counsel and worked your feelings of anger out quickly. You’re not a fool who has anger residing (living) in his/her bosom. You can forgive. You are operating in the power of Almighty God! And Satan cannot get his paws on you because you obey God’s word.  🙂

“A man’s good sense makes him slow to wrath, and the overlooking of wrongdoing is his glory.” Proverbs 19:11 BBE

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“Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I PRESS toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:12-14 KJV

One of the definitions of the word, “Press,” in the passage above means to run swiftly after, to pursue. That’s how Paul chased the mark for the prize. He didn’t walk towards it. He didn’t jog. He ran to it! When I read this something else came to mind, it was when David slew the giant Goliath. After young David boldly told him, ‘Today God will deliver you Philistines into our hands,’ he then RAN towards the giant with his sling and struck him down. (1 Samuel 17:45-50) I thought to myself, “Hmmm, this dude (David) was a man after God’s own heart. So was the apostle Paul. There’s something here.” And that my dear brothers and sisters I would like to share with you.

One of the things I love about Paul is he said he was not perfect, and he did not attain his goal yet. Paul wasn’t bigheaded. He was still reaching to obtain his goal. Paul well knew that we are saved by faith and not by works. (Ephesians 2:8-9) He wrote about this throughout his God inspired letters in the New Testament. But he also knew there was more work to be done​ in the Lord’s​ service. That should encourage us. I’m sure when we examine ourseives we sense that there’s more to be done too. That’s great. And God will help us to accomplish His will:

“Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.”  John 15:4 NLT

Jesus’ next words are very encouraging too because He lets us know that WE WILL produce the kind of fruit God wants in our lives as long as we remain in Him:

“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, WILL PRODUCE much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 NLT

Because we continue to feed on the nutritious sap flowing from the vine which is Jesus, we branches will bear much fruit. It’s going to happen:

“And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.” Mark 4:20 KJV

HOW AM I GONNA DO THAT?

I remember when I first became a believer God showed me something he wanted me to do. It was and still is a very important task. Back then I remember thinking to myself, “How am I gonna do that?” because the job God showed me looked too big for me. I sometimes got discouraged thinking, “I can’t do it.” And God showed me that was the problem: I SAW MYSELF DOING IT, INSTEAD OF HIM DOING IT through me. When we focus on ourselves doing God’s work yes it is impossible. But when we put the focus where it should be, on God, all things are possible. It’s not really us doing anything anyway. It’s all God. We have the privilege of being used as His instruments and fellow workers.

The truth is we must leave our comfort zones. What I mean by that is we must be willing to stretch our muscles of faith and dare to believe in God’s promises like never before. Then action follows. Instead of walking or jogging towards our goal like the apostle Paul and David we find ourselves running towards it. We become excited about doing God’s will. We believe that God’s got it. We’re not looking to ourselves to do it anymore. We’re not afraid anymore. My brothers and sisters when we believe God like this He can use us to do anything!

“Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.” Mark 10:27 NIV

CONDUCTING BUSINESS FOR THE LORD

“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. He called together his servants and entrusted his money to them while he was gone. He gave five bags of silver to one, two bags of silver to another, and one bag of silver to the last-dividing it in proportion to their abilities. He then left on his trip. “The servant who received the five bags of silver began to invest the money and earned five more. The servant with two bags of silver also went to work and earned two more. But the servant who received the one bag of silver dug a hole in the ground and hid the master’s money. “After a long time their master returned from his trip and called them to give an account of how they had used his money. The servant to whom he had entrusted the five bags of silver came forward with five more and said, ‘Master, you gave me five bags of silver to invest, and I have earned five more.’ “The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’ “The servant who had received the two bags of silver came forward and said, ‘Master, you gave me two bags of silver to invest, and I have earned two more.’ “The master said, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’ “Then the servant with the one bag of silver came and said, ‘Master, I knew you were a harsh man, harvesting crops you didn’t plant and gathering crops you didn’t cultivate. I was afraid I would lose your money, so I hid it in the earth. Look, here is your money back.’ “But the master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy servant! If you knew I harvested crops I didn’t plant and gathered crops I didn’t cultivate, why didn’t you deposit my money in the bank? At least I could have gotten some interest on it.’ “Then he ordered, ‘Take the money from this servant, and give it to the one with the ten bags of silver. To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away. Now throw this useless servant into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ ” Matthew 25:14-30 NLT

If you’re in Jesus Christ you’re a businessperson. I know we may not see ourselves that way but it’s the truth. The King has entrusted us with His goods, and has assigned tasks​ for all of us to do. These assignments are not too difficult. Jesus illustrates this in the passage above. Two servants produced for their master. But the servant who had been given the least responsibility did nothing at all. When asked why he didn’t produce the servant told his master that he was a harsh man and that he was afraid of him, then said, ‘Here, take your money back.’ This servant’s attitude toward his master affected his work ethic. And things did not go well for him. If the servant would have only analyzed himself instead of the faults of his master he could have produced. He would have seen that the king was not being hard or unreasonable with him. He gave him a job he was very capable of doing.

When I read where the servant said he was afraid it reminded me of something I’ve heard people say over the years. I thought about the many folks I heard say they knew that God was calling them but they were afraid that they would mess up. So they never answered the Lord’s call. But ironically they are messing up in the worse way by ignoring God. When we answer the Lord’s call and seek Him he covers all of our mess ups. We have forgiveness of all our sins.

If not careful we can make the same mistake as the wicked servant. Some of us may be harboring​ resentment towards God; thinking what he’s asked us to do is too hard or unfair. For example we may harbor feelings like, “Why do you want me to forgive that person Lord? You saw what they did to me?” “You’re telling me to love this man/woman? That’s impossible! I want a divorce!” “God, why are you pricking me to preach to people more? You know I’m shy?” “Lord I know I’m supposed to love my enemies but these enemies are ridiculous!” The human brain is expert when it comes to making excuses why not to obey God. Let’s hope and pray for ourselves and for one another that we won’t be that way.

WHAT’S MY JOB?

Sometimes we really do want to serve God but we just don’t know what to do. This next verse shows the very next thing we should do:

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.” James 1:5-8 NIV

God says if we ask Him he will let us know what He wants us to do. All we have to do is ask and believe, and He will answer us.

“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.” Matthew 7:7-8 NLT

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“Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; CORRECT[1], REBUKE[2] and ENCOURAGE[3]—with great patience and careful instruction.” 2 Timothy 4:2 NIV

If you’ve ever wondered, “How do I preach God’s word?” He just told us in 2 Timothy 4:2. CORRECT, REBUKE, AND ENCOURAGE, with great patience and careful instruction.

It may seem to some that all we’re to do with God’s word is encourage one another. That sounds really good. I know I like receiving and giving Encouragement. But that is only a part of what 2 Timothy 4:2 says. We’re to correct and rebuke each other if necessary with God’s word too. I just got some heartfelt correction from my son and another friend. It was what I needed to hear. They showed me a serious flaw I need to correct. It stung a bit at first. But soon after their correction felt good to me. Because I saw that they loved me and was not afraid to tell me the truth.

“Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.” Proverbs 27:9 NIV

CORRECT

If we fear men; what they think of us, etcetera, we won’t say a word. We’re more in love with our feelings than God at this point. What I just said may have corrected somebody. And I know it may not have felt good. But I also know it needed to be said because many of us say we love God and fellow believers but we’re too afraid to lovingly correct them. But if we only knew just how much such fear is harming us and them we would repent.

“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” 1 John 4:18 NIV

The goal behind godly correction is repentance. When you truly love someone you will be willing to give them correction. If fear keeps us from doing this how can we say we love God or our brothers and sisters when God’s word says, “There is no fear in love?” (1 John 4:18) The great part about serving God is when he shows us where we have fallen short we can repent. Please, please, let us all repent.

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23 NIV

We’ve talked about giving correction. Here are some passages that deal with accepting it:

“He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth.” Proverbs 10:17 KJV

“Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid.” Proverbs 12:1 NIV

“A fool despiseth his father’s instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.” Proverbs 15:5 KJV

“Lord, do not your eyes look for truth? You struck them, but they felt no pain; you crushed them, but they refused correction. They made their faces harder than stone and refused to repent.” Jeremiah 5:3 NIV

If we’re God’s child He is going to correct us. He is going to show us parts of ourselves that aren’t pretty. This is all part of the process of being transformed into the image of His son Jesus Christ. And remember, the beautiful part about this is if we don’t like what we see in the mirror we can change, we can repent. God can give us the power to repent and give us a new heart. We can pray for this like David did:

“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10 KJV

Please don’t hate correction. Please be humble and repent.

REBUKE

“And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.” Hebrews 12:5-11 KJV

We  just read in Hebrews that God rebukes ALL OF HIS CHILDREN. In fact God himself says that if we are without chastisement from Him we are not His children but are bastards. A rebuke is a stronger form of correction. A rebuke is when God sharply disciplines us. Yes, it hurts a lot. The goal of a rebuke too is repentance. God will sometimes cause and bring us through some very tough circumstances. These are a part of our training to transform us into the image of His son Jesus Christ and get us to repent. Sometimes He may use another believer to Rebuke us. They may sharply call to our attention our unbecoming behavior. Paul had to do this to Peter:

“But when Peter came to Antioch, I had to oppose him to his face, for what he did was very wrong. When he first arrived, he ate with the Gentile believers, who were not circumcised. But afterward, when some friends of James came, Peter wouldn’t eat with the Gentiles anymore. He was afraid of criticism from these people who insisted on the necessity of circumcision. As a result, other Jewish believers followed Peter’s hypocrisy, and even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. When I saw that they were not following the truth of the gospel message, I said to Peter in front of all the others, “Since you, a Jew by birth, have discarded the Jewish laws and are living like a Gentile, why are you now trying to make these Gentiles follow the Jewish traditions?” Galatians 2:11-14 NLT

Paul called out Peter’s hypocrisy. Peter was a respected leader in God’s church. But his misconduct was affecting others in the church. This had to be dealt with. Good thing Paul loved Peter enough to tell him the truth. Paul did this to help Peter and the others to repent. We know Peter accepted Paul’s rebuke because he spoke well of Paul after this took place.

“Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, just as OUR DEAR BROTHER PAUL also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him. He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction.” 2 Peter 3:15-16 NIV

If Peter resented Paul for rebuking him he would not have been able to speak well of him afterwards. This was not the case. Peter accepted discipline. Peter repented. If we ignore God’s rebukes we will lose in the short and long run. But if we hang in there no matter how hot the furnace gets we will be molded into who God wants us to be, yeilding the peaceful fruit of righteousness. This is the gift of those who have been trained by God’s discipline.

ENCOURAGE

Who doesn’t need Encouragement? I looked up the Greek definition for the word Encourage in 2 Timothy 4:2 and I saw words like, “To beg, to strive to appease by entreaty, to comfort, strengthen, to console, beseech, to call near, invite, instruct,” etcetera. Yes, Encouragement is all of that and then some. Often correction and rebukes aren’t really necessary, only Encouragement is. Encouragement can be a milder form of correction and is a lot milder than a rebuke. We all need good encouraging words. They give us strength and comfort. I believe these kinds of words should be given as often as possible. To people in the faith and outside. People hear so much negativity these days. How good to be a person who spreads encouraging words that lift people up. Are you and I in the habit of speaking encouragement? Or do we just correct others all the time?

“But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 12:36-37 NIV

Jesus says how we use our words is a serious matter. Hence I’d like to share with you something I believe I received from the Lord:

•Always give Encouragement

•Give correction sometimes only when necessary

•Give a rebuke only when absolutely necessary

•Be prayerful and cautious about how to do all 3

•And be willing to accept all 3

I believe Encouragement should be what we do the most. Uplifting one another should become a habit.

“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.” Proverbs 25:11 KJV

Let me say this in conclusion: though we know God’s word says at times it is necessary to correct each other, sometimes it’s best to just let things go and cover over each other’s faults and sins. Sometimes all we’re supposed to do is pray for one another. These scriptures explain that better:

“If you see any brother or sister commit a sin that does not lead to death, you should pray and God will give them life. I refer to those whose sin does not lead to death. There is a sin that leads to death. I am not saying that you should pray about that.” 1 John 5:16 NIV

“A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.” Proverbs 19:11 NIV

“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8 NIV

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