Believe it or not, there are people that never have anything nice to say.
Every time you interact with them or hold a conversation, it's always words of criticism, judgement and dogmatic perceptions of what's going on in the world or what's going on in someone else's life. Funny thing, these same people never seem to talk about any of their shortcomings. It always seems to be what others are doing wrong and how much they need to change.
Then there's those people that believe they're speaking "What sayeth the Lord"!
Considering themselves speaking up for God and getting people told. These people never seem to have any balance when sharing God's Word. The Fruits of the Spirit are not evident, just harsh words:
"You should do this...!
"You better stop doing that...!
"You're going to hell if....!"
Yes, "All scripture is God-Breathed and is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, instruction in righteousness...", and by NO means should anybody sugar coat the word to fit itching ears that desire to hear what always makes them feel good.
May we be in constant reminder that the Gospel is Good News. No one knows the day or hour that the Son of Man will appear and no one truly knows the heart of humanity, but God!
Jesus plainly informs us:
"Many will say to Me on the day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles.
And then I will declare to them, I never knew you; Depart from me, you who practice lawlessness. Matthew 7:22-23."
It is wise that we take care in the words that we speak and how we minister to others. Everyone needs someone to believe in them, even when we are down on our luck, made bad choices or our actions are carnal. That's when those who are strong are to step up restoring such a one.
"Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Galatians 6:1."
Constantly using scripture to make someone feel bad. That's fleshly within itself!
"If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 1 John 1:8"
As we allow the "Fruits of the Spirit" to demonstrate in our lives while conveying a message, it will help to break up the most fallow ground and harden heart. The stony heart will become a heart of flesh.
May we always keep in mind, the judgement we give to others is the same judgement we receive ourselves. It's nice to be nice, people are certainly more inclined to receive what we have to say, when we take in consideration of how we say it. May All things be done in Love.
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22:23"
Blessings to all and Always Stay Encouraged!
Columnist, Shira Garnett
I totally agree with you, Carla! I have worked in Ministry for over 20 years...I held various positions from Janitor to Head of Women's Ministry to Evangelist to Board Member in several different churches and I have seen the same thing everywhere I've gone. Because I trust God and His Word, is the reason why I don't forsake the assembling of others.
God wants us to be united encouraging each other up in our Most Holy Faith. I really felt that this article would speak to the hearts of those who have experienced the "Holier than thou" attitudes.
Thank you for taking the tie to read and comment, I really appreciate you response, encouragement and support. Blessings to you my sister, and Always Stay Encouraged.
this is the reason I turned away from God for so long. Over time God works on people's heart to change certain things about themselves. As people after God's heart, we need to maintain that all are welcome and come as you are attitude. So many are turned away because they feel theyhave to get right first because of whole judgemental attitude...no, just come. let's stop putting limitations on people and creating this legalistic type of faith. It's because someone did that for me that I have grown in my faith as much as I did.