Just something I put on my blog, didn't think it'd hurt to share it here too. =)
I think its time I put a little more substance back in my blog entries. I certainly don't mean to appear 'deep' and sophisticated but I feel that I should express more of myself and my faith here. This post is rather long, but I think it needs that length to express what I truly feel.
You see, I was reading the book of Ephesians in the bible recently, and its been good as there have been several things I've picked up but I wanted to share a few portions in particular that caught my eye because I guess they pricked me a bit more than the rest at the time.
First, let me put down the few parts I'll be focusing on:
Ephesians 4:2-3
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
Ephesians 4:15-16
Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work."
Ephesians 4:25
Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbour, for we are all members of one body. "In your anger do not sin.": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.
Ephesians 4:29, 31 & 32
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with any form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as Christ God forgave you.
Actually, just looking at it, there's plenty I can absorb or learn, but it all ties back to the title. Speak the truth in love.
For me, I'm a person that tries, to the extent of my ability to uphold what I believe to be truth, let it be joyful or hurtful. That truth then, becomes a form of knowledge, or what some people might say as information with application.
The thing is, what do we do with that piece of truth that we hold? How do we use it? Do we use it as a weapon of hate, or do we use it as a maker of peace? Many times I form opinions or perceptions about people in my mind, some of it I know to be true and I cannot help but feel like wanting to just shout and scream at them. My heart tells me, "Its fine! I mean, come on! It's true! This guy is like that! You should just give it to him"
Somehow or rather I won't, maybe because I'm afraid or I just apply that head knowledge that says, "It's just not appropriate". Nonetheless, that feeling of hate is certainly there and my head will start to go off in such a malicious direction.
There are times I feel injustice or feel angered by people, their attitude when they just aren't doing what they should. Admittedly, sometimes I just get so angry that I begin to wish for the worst of things to happen to them.
I become self righteous, overconfident in my own strengths that I fail to be humble and gentle. I forget to be patient and to bear others with love as God has done with me. I forget that the truth is to uplift, not to degrade others.
I need to learn how to speak the truth for the reason of love and not for hate, to edify and not to destroy. I really do want to have that attitude, to use the truth in love, not with malice.
This year in particular, I've had this problem with anger for one reason or another and it bugs me because I don't seem to be able to shake it off. From reading Ephesians 4:29-32, I've learnt that I need have more of a forgiving heart, to be less critical and more understanding. Kindness and compassion are two traits that I need more in my own attitudes. Even more than that, I need to rid myself of my pride and self righteousness.
I guess I've been going along the lines that truth equals justice and everyone should be punished accordingly. I still believe that each person is accountable for their actions, but what I've realised is that God is kind and merciful too.
There are plenty of times I've done wrong, but I haven't been condemned by Him. Yet, He continues to be faithful and blesses me with his mercy and grace. If God has been able to forgive me that much every time, why shouldn't I do the same for others?
Dear God, help to be more patient, to be peace loving, kind, forgiving. Help me to be more like You, to give grace, to be merciful to those who don't deserve mercy. Let me speak Your truth in Love to others so that they may be strengthened by it. I surrender my life to You, my pride, my self righteousness. Mould me into the person You want me to be so I will live in a way that pleases You.
Amen.
