365 Days of Spirit-Filled Fruits Challenge-Day 113

At work yesterday, I found myself contemplating the actions of some of my co-workers. Again, they talked negatively about another co-worker in the other part of our office. I had to admit that I have been guilty of this in the past but hearing it come from others on a regular basis has made me realize that this is a sin that I am to work on but also that I have to shine the light of the truth on this to those at my work who are doing it. I thought of something my mom had always said which probably many moms out there have said, If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.” The sinful part of us will put down others. I remember as a teenager doing some people watching with friends at the mall and just giggling with our judgmental negative comments about the people we saw. Who are we do judge anything? I would like to say it is a young thing and people grow out of it but it is not going to go away because you age. It will only be conquered when you have shined the light of the truth of God upon it and keep shinning that light upon it. So, I need to let go of fear of what others will think if I say something and stand up for not talking bad about people. Fear of rejection is a weakness within my temperament that I have to overcome. All things are possible with God.

Ephesians 4:29 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.

365 Days of Spirit-Filled Fruits Challenge-Day 18

Today I am looking at verse 6 from 1 Corinthians 13: Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. I think this verse is specifically talking about the relationships we have with others and what we do when we are witness to our friend, co-worker, spouse or neighbor sinning. You have heard the saying about a true friend will tell you the truth. Love and honesty go hand-in-hand. If you really love someone, you cannot turn the other cheek as they sin right before your eyes. Of course, every situation is different and will call for specific actions based on the situation but the core part of our motivation is because we love. Now, some sins like gossiping in the office, can be taken care of with a gentle reminder that we shouldn’t be talking negatively behind someone’s back but other situations may need a more assertive approach and still other situations all you can really do is express your love and concern and pray for that person.  Loving someone with truth is not easy. Noboby likes confrontation of any kind but with the Holy Spirit’s help we can overcome the tendency to not say anything, to turn the other cheek, to walk away from the situation and face it with all the love God has for us.

Holy Spirit,

Without you, we are but shells but with you and your fruits we can be all that God wants us to be and become more and more like Jesus. You alone can give us the love we need that will not delight in evil but will face it with love and truth. May we be guided by this love today and be a light for those around us who need guidance, mercy and love. With You All Things Are Possible! Amen.

Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.