I sit among the pansies, a grey and blue sky, and a gentle breeze . . . thinking. I have a passion for various things but one of the greatest is for upright living and truth; this passion is so strong I sometimes forget the importance of relationship with Christ. There is something in me which yearns to be holy and when I lose focus I try to seek holiness on my own. I've found time again this pursuit is madness, folly, and empty.
My passion for truth can be so strong that I can also forget the importance of relationships with friends and family. Instead of the hurting soul, a seeking sibling, a lost stranger I see the an opportunity to share wit, opinions and, of course, truth. In my defense, my desire for sharing the truth is not to crush, out-wit, or destroy; I share because I care. I share with the hope of their restoration, healing, and freedom. But oh, knowing how to share is a problem. Speaking truth when I am full of pride (or 'just a little"), anger, or disappointment seems to breed misunderstandings, wounded spirits, and spoiled relationships. But I say, "he or she needs to hear the truth--only then can they walk in freedom and holiness!" Yes, truth sets one free and God created us humans to share and care. So what can I do?
Take some of my own medicine. I try to speak truth from God's Word but maybe I need to stop speaking and listen from the very One I quote. Does a harsh tongue or an angry spirit work the righteousness of God? Does sharing the truth without love bring restoration? Can I speak good words and yet be full of pride? Can pride avoid a fall? No.
So here I sit; my companions of chirping frogs, wind-blown pansies, and closing sunlight all confirm to me one thing: God is good and I am so thankful He takes the time to teach silly ol' me.
With love from your growing sister in Christ,
Frannie
My passion for truth can be so strong that I can also forget the importance of relationships with friends and family. Instead of the hurting soul, a seeking sibling, a lost stranger I see the an opportunity to share wit, opinions and, of course, truth. In my defense, my desire for sharing the truth is not to crush, out-wit, or destroy; I share because I care. I share with the hope of their restoration, healing, and freedom. But oh, knowing how to share is a problem. Speaking truth when I am full of pride (or 'just a little"), anger, or disappointment seems to breed misunderstandings, wounded spirits, and spoiled relationships. But I say, "he or she needs to hear the truth--only then can they walk in freedom and holiness!" Yes, truth sets one free and God created us humans to share and care. So what can I do?
Take some of my own medicine. I try to speak truth from God's Word but maybe I need to stop speaking and listen from the very One I quote. Does a harsh tongue or an angry spirit work the righteousness of God? Does sharing the truth without love bring restoration? Can I speak good words and yet be full of pride? Can pride avoid a fall? No.
15But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:"
Ephesians 4:15
"4Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:"
Hebrews 12:14
So here I sit; my companions of chirping frogs, wind-blown pansies, and closing sunlight all confirm to me one thing: God is good and I am so thankful He takes the time to teach silly ol' me.
With love from your growing sister in Christ,
Frannie
Great post! it's always amusing (after the fact) that our passion for sinlessness causes us TO sin!
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