Words that drip like honey,
Sweet but oh so dangerous.
If that’s all you ever receive or give,
No one will ever know the truth.
But learn how to share your words
In situations that need to be confronted
As from the words of the Apostle Paul,
A counsel that God’s Word guides.
Nothing More.
This week has been strange, and I wish I hadn’t said it so much during the past three years of the pandemic, but I’ve lived through these times and pray the best is yet to be.
I’ve bent over backward and tried to live in truth and love, but the times make us snippy. So we snarl. It’s difficult to speak in love.
But that’s exactly how I see Paul when he repeatedly referenced the concept of counsel – speaking the truth … in love.
1 Corinthians 4:14 NKJV
I do not write these things to shame you,
but as my beloved children
I warn you.
That’s what the word “warn” means. It’s a Greek word from which we get the words and phrases: warn, admonish, counsel, and call attention to.
But Paul adds depth to the Word of the Day, and if anyone knows how to use this concept, the Apostle is no better than any other. After all, his life before Damascus is his constant reminder of the Mercy and Grace of Jesus.
Acts 20:31-32 NKJV
Therefore watch, and remember that for three years
I did not cease to warn everyone
night and day with tears.
(32) “So now, brethren, I commend you to God
and to the word of His grace,
which is able to build you up
and give you an inheritance
among all those who are sanctified.
Notice! In both of these references, Paul warns with Love and Tears. He’s not vindictive or mean, nor is he belittling. He’s pointing us to Christ with tears in his approach and words.
He’s showing his love. Why? How? But recognizing that there is no greater thing in life than Love.
That was the message of Jesus. One study shows that Jesus most quoted from the Old Testament this thought.
Deuteronomy 6:5 You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.
Leviticus 19:18 “…but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD.”
As always, read the preceding ten verses, and you’ll find the Law teaching not to mishandle your neighbor, the infirm, poor, widow, or anyone else.
In everything to everyone, act out in Love!
Repeatedly, this is the message of our Measured Words. Say and do everything with Love.