“From the Heart of Victory”

“Commentary” from Ephesians 4:28, which reads, “He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.”:

“We can grieve the Holy Spirit by the way we live. Paul warns us against unwholesome language, bitterness, improper use of anger, brawling, slander, and bad attitudes toward others. Instead of acting that way, we should be forgiving, just as God has forgiven us. Are you grieving or pleasing God with your attitudes and actions? Act in love toward your brothers and sisters in Christ, just as God acted in love by sending his Son to die for our sins.”

Jesus, I still don’t understand how human hands could beat and torment you, and receive the forgiveness You gave. We all received it, because we all have done things that we’re not proud of—I, you, he, she, it we and they all contributed to the suffering you willingly endured—‘must be your grace, your mercy, that I’m witnessing in this, Your simple act of obedience.  

Some, indeed, grieve the Holy Spirit with their constant criticisms of the brethren. BUT! These same people can also be very generous, and God has more often than not honored their prayers and given them the requests they have made for others. That is just so God; answering the prayers of those who are less than perfect!

So no one is all good or all bad; still, I hate to think that the Holy Spirit is grieved! –And of course, I should not even broach the subject, for it makes me just as bad. James said not to judge, but to leave that to God to do. (James 4:12-17)  

By the same token, some make remarks that others are unable to say but had on their minds. They have the uncanny ability to boldly state the pitfalls in life, and I’m torn between believing in their methods and  being embarrassed by their obstinance! For it seems to be a lost art, this guidance of the blind into the right paths, so that they don’t fall into the ditch. There must be a happy medium here; where to draw the line?

…but the great thing about it is that God has broached the subject with me this morning, in that I turned to His Response in Ephesians Chapter 4. Where to go from here, Lord?

The Bible says that we should speak the truth in love. (Ephesians 4:15) “They” sometimes get a bit brusque.  Can’t they help it? Not only that, but they sometimes put the business of others into the ears of those who have nothing to do with the problem or the solution! Stating that it is wrong, they sow the wind, I’m afraid, and reap the whirlwind. Because such utterances have to go somewhere, ultimately the personal lives of the one who spoke them will feel similar treatment, should they persist. What am I trying to say? The sword of the Holy Spirit should be used when correcting, rebuking and instructing the brethren, not the wagging tongue of a talebearer! And even then, it is human nature to want to retaliate—especially if one resents the correction. We would all do well to take instruction and rebuke better; our lives would reflect better for our Lord!

I remember once being all fired up over the bad grades of my nephew, who I had been taking care of while my sister was at work. That is, until I was politely told that the boy was not my responsibility and I should “butt out”. Instead of flying off the handle or being offended, I took the advice well and it ended up being the best advice I could have received; my nephew did better in school and I was not all bent out of shape anymore! I wish I could say that this was always the case with me, but alas, I’m human, and sometimes I don’t take correction well, either!

 I guess I should show a little wisdom in this; to offend or not to offend others for the sake of their souls, or just to condemn and hurt them for the sake of argument?? Take heed to yourself, and I will, too!  

The things that are “going on in the church” are what the subject matter of the day seems to be; people have been wagging their tongues about some rumors and observations, etc., but can’t anyone see that the devil alone sows discord?? His sole purpose is to divide and conquer the beautiful bride that Christ has given His life to save.

2 Timothy, 3:16, I repeat, states, “All Scripture is God-breathed, and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

Where does the line get drawn? I submit, between the harrowing effects of gossip and the training in righteousness signified in the previous verse. I also seem to remember a verse of scripture that instructs us to approach that person who is wrong and speak the truth in love, and if that doesn’t work, to go back with others to help you to bring them around. There are many who believe in that, but there are others who believe that our salvation is personally involved with our relationship with Jesus Christ alone, and no others. Suffice to say that, if we have the right relationship with Christ, one of intimacy and honesty, we will be of one accord with every other member of the Church, for we are one body! Amen?

The exact nature of our wrongs and our correction is the responsibility of our conscience and the guidance of our Shepherd(s).

I was once confused as to the kind of love that was best: tough, or unconditional. Again, wisdom is required of us when it comes to the assistance each person needs to live a Godly life. I pray that, if I am doing something that I am not aware of which should be corrected, someone will speak the truth in love, or, at least, inform me of my error. This is what I glean from the message we receive from our Pastors. I hope never to be too prideful to receive correction, but I also want to know that the person correcting me can be trusted with my receptiveness and feelings. And so, it is a subject that each of us as human beings weigh and balance in our everyday lives. No big deal, right? But it has such eternal effects!

Morality cannot be dictated, and yet, at the time when I was in enmity with God I just wish someone in this uncaring world had led, guided, and directed me back onto the path, to make my journey a bit less bumpy! Hindsight being 20/20, let the statement abide. The whole of the addicted life consists of denial and blindness to our sinful nature and that rollercoaster ride of anonymity. Who really cares? The person who has the guts to correct you, or the person who gives you a warm blanket and a roof over your head?

I submit that both are in order for those who have been enslaved by the drug culture. The coldness of everyday life will sometimes make us withdraw our assistance to “people of that sort”, sometimes, understandably so. But in all things, by prayer and supplication, make your petitions known (Philippians 4:6)…when you can no longer help the unreachable, untouchable, and unrepentant.

And so, out of the abundance of your heart, bring forth both treasures old and new, to assist and embellish the weak, humble pathway of others in need. (Matthew 13:52) It’s not just the material things that your brethren need! May God Almighty emblazon his courage and strength upon us all so that we can help the lost in word, deed, thoughts, and prayers. Amen.