This week of study brought several reminders regarding our relationships and interactions with others.
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“Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.” (Philippians 4:5, NLT)
The reading made me smile as I have been using the term “you people” in talking to my kids. It has become a joke between us all.
It is a way to lump people together, for which we need to guard ourselves if we are going to avoid so doing.
The author made the powerful point of how Christians are watched and lumped, asking the question – What do others see in us? What will we be known for?
Let’s think on this today. Are we willing to have our eyes opened, our schedules shifted even, so that we can bless others as we go about our day?
As I read the Scripture verse in its entirety, I realized the latter portion is the mindset we need in order to live out the first portion. Meaning, only as I keep the perspective “the Lord is coming soon”, will I be able remember to be “considerate in all I do.”
Maintaining a focus on the future, and the eternal, will help to keep me focused in my daily interactions.
As you go about your day today, be on the lookout for someone you can bless with a thoughtful gesture, kind word, or good deed.
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While the reading was Proverbs 31:26-28 and excellent, we honed in on verse 26:
“When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instruction with kindness.” (NLT)
My Bible commentary put it this way:
“She gives advice in a winsome way.”
Winsome. Not a word we use very often but perhaps we should as it means … “sweetly, innocently charming, engaging.”
The author makes the point that we speak kindly with strangers but with our families …. “ouch”.
We can be feisty or harsh with those we live. My desire is for my words, each of our words, to be wise and kind.
Prayer: Lord, our desire is to love people well but especially those within our own households and families. Help us to speak softly with gentle tones. To speak wisely so as not to cause offense. To give correction or advice in a kind manner so it is received. Help us to speak in a way which brings You honor. In Your Name we pray, Amen.
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“I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth!”ĆĀ (Revelation 3:15-16, NLT)
Sobering words to read.
A hot cup of water poured over a teabag will bring warmth and comfort. A cold cup of water will bring refreshment when one is hot. A lukewarm cup of water does nothing for any of us. As I read the devotional, one thought came to me: “Lukewarm” is when we’ve lost our edge.
It’s when we no longer are effective. We no longer are using the special skills, talents, or gifts the Lord has graciously given us. The MSG uses the words “stale” and “stagnant”.
The author challenges us:
“Knowing that God has no need for lukewarm, may we seek to be those who offer refreshment and healing to a dying world.”
(Settle My Soul, page 173)
Do you know someone who could use some words of refreshment from you today? Or how about words that bring healing to your relationship with them?
Be intentional today and bless someone.
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Maintaining our focus,
will fill our mouths with wise and kind words,
so we can be a source of refreshment.
Photo 1: by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
Photo 2: by Sai De Silva on Unsplash
Photo 3: by Matt Hoffman on Unsplash
Today I am joining … Recharge Wednesday and Woman to Woman .
Winsome and considerate. What a wonderful combination of attributes, Joanne. I love how you point out that remembering the Lord is coming soon will help us demonstrate this in our daily interactions. Blessings to you this year, my friend!
Lois, I am discovering that when I focus on the eternal, the Lord fills me with the assurance He cares deeply about my daily life and interactions. And it is in the daily that we wrestle out the eternal. I am so grateful He helps me as I wrestle š xo
May the Lord help me to speak words of truth and wisdom to the people that I encounter today.
Joanne, thanks for your words, they are a big reminder of our privilege and responsibility of the use of every word.
Blessings
Norma, you blessed me with your words so many times. God has given you a love for people and a graciousness I have never forgotten. I think of you and pray for you each time I water my plant š xo
Good reminder, Joanne. Christians are being watched and lumped together, especially here in the US. Looking to bless someone with kindness is a good way to spend our days.
Kindness goes a long way, in fact, I would even say, kindness is not ever truly forgotten.
Thank you for these reminders today. I have heard several times today the call to bless someone else with kindness. It must be God speaking directly to me.
Mary, the Lord is speaking to many of us š May we not be a people who are contentious but spread the love of God through kindness.