Speaking the truth in Love

I fear over the last year I have read so many blogs it has begun to paralyze me. Once a confident blogger I now second guess and over think everything I put down. Part of this is because over the past year I have seen blog after blog attacking what others say. This is dangerous especially without the ability to know the heart behind these critiques.

In no way will this blog be exhaustive on how to handle these situations, and in no way do I claim to be an expert. Often I fear I am the worst when it comes to my critiques and disagreements with others.

In the 13th chapter of  John vs.35 Jesus says," By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another".

There are definitely times where correction and rebuke are necessary,(the scriptures are full of this) but I want to make sure that my critiques of others are necessary. I want the motive to be love. Often the motive is for others to become more like "us" or "me" rather than more like Jesus(although an unchecked heart can quickly be convinced we are pointing others to Jesus) It is never fair to assume motives and assign feelings onto someone else. That is why it is very important to approach these situations in a healthy manner. 

When I am offended or happen to disagree with what others say I must ask myself " why? "

What is underneath this reaction? Why do I feel so strongly about this? Am i motivated by love for Jesus? Am I considering others before self? 

If the motive underneath is that we might fuel and encourage one another in the gospel then great! If the spirit leads us to call a brother out then by all means do so IN LOVE SO THAT THE GOSPEL CAN BE SEEN IN YOUR CORRECTION.  If our motive is to simply be right, we will be wrong.

Choosing the better portion

I was reading Luke 10:38-42 on Saturday and it caused me to pause and evaluate. Here is what it says...

Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named^(A) Martha^(B) welcomed him into her house. ³⁹And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. ⁴⁰But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me." ⁴¹But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, ⁴²but one thing is necessary,^] Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.

I am a Martha..If we were to be honest we probably all tend to be that way. My challenge to you today is to choose the good portion. Sit at his feet, listen to him...Let him remind you of his great love for you. There will always be work that needs to be done, people who need help and lives that need to be changed but remember the better portion is to be with Jesus. We will not desire Jesus the way we ought to and in turn serve others out of love unless we spend time with him. Dont be in so big a hurry to change the world you forget to let Jesus transform you. I need to remember this daily.

There is no other Gospel

Next week we will kick off our Spring Small Groups study @ Faith. We will meet @7pm January 18th in the Fellowship Hall. Join us as we look through the book of Galatians: There is no other Gospel.

Great stuff

DO because he has DONE

The Word

Join us at 945 the next three Sunday mornings as Tyler takes us through the study on the Incarnation of Jesus Christ. 3 lessons looking at the different accounts of Jesus becoming a man. Don't miss it! Rediscover the true beauty of Christmas!

Why is the Incarnation Important?

Christmas Party

All those who have been coming to Small Groups all semester we hope to see you next Monday for a Christmas Party! We will be in the Fellowship Hall. Contact Sarah Henry or myself if you need directions. All are welcome.

Sermon

Sermon from May 23rd 2010:
The Hope of the Gospel is Christ.

www.faithwf.com