And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching. - Hebrews 10:24-25
As I was waiting for a meeting to start I read through this portion of scripture and thought this is a good filter for the meeting I am about to have. My goal in this meeting should be to stir up love, to stir up good works and to be encouraging. So before I give any counsel, I need to ask myself if this counsel is going to stir up love? Is it going to stir up good works? And finally is it encouraging?
Then I thought, this should be my filter with every conversation I have in life. I should want every conversation I have to leave the other party stirred up to love and good works. I want to make sure I speak words of encouragement or at least have those I meet in life leave encouraged by our exchange and not discouraged. I'm also reminded about what the apostle Paul admonished the Ephesians concerning their conversations. He said, "Let no corrupt talk come out of your mouth, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear." Eph. 4:29
We would all do well to take the apostles advice and use it as our filter in our day to day interaction with others. In doing so we will edify others and keep ourselves from conversations that can lead us into sin. More importantly we will be glorifying and doing the will of God.
Therefore, we should consider the following before we speak.
1. What am I going to stir up by saying this?
2. Am I stirring up love with what I am about to say?
3. Am I stirring up good works with what I am about to say?
4. Is my conversation encouraging the other party in some way?
5. Are my words building up or tearing down?
John Chrysostom's short explanation of Paul's instruction to the Ephesians sums this blog up perfectly "what ever edifies your neighbor, say this and nothing more..."
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About Me
- Soli Deo Gloria
- I have long enjoyed reading sermons, theological works, treatises, polemics, and commentaries from the Church Fathers, Reformers and Puritans. Although these saints have passed centuries ago, their wisdom continues to minister to all those who take the time to listen. Their dedication to the study and exposition of the scriptures have encouraged, challenged, and provoked me to take serious my faith, my teaching, and my walk with God. I pray my devotional blog seasoned with ancient wisdom will do the same for you.
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