~Ministering in Love~ Believing in the truthfulness of God’s Word does not guarantee that we will minister that truth in the Spirit of God. Ephesians 4:15 describes growth and maturity in the body of Christ as characterized by our “speaking the truth in love,” and Proverbs 18:21 warns us that life and death are in the tongue. Our Lord challenges us to maintain the constant presence of His life in the things we speak, even in the most demanding declarations of correction or judgment. Urgency may attend our message and passion infuse our delivery; but anger, impatience, and irritation are not of the life-giving Spirit, however literally accurate our interpretation of the Bible may be. The psalmist prayed, “Let the words of my mouth … be acceptable in Your sight,” and Proverbs 16:1 tells us that the “answer of the tongue is from the Lord.” When we face a situation where words “just don’t seem to be enough,” we need to turn to the Lord and let Him speak His Word through us. He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. (2 Corinthians 3:6 NIV) Prayer Father God, help us to be slow to anger, to think before we speak so we can honor You and show Your love to others. Amen! (YouVersion devotional edited)
Posted on: Mon, 10 Nov 2014 14:30:57 +0000
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