not easy words

not easy words

I don’t like conflict.  Too often I try to avoid conflict, yet relationships bring about the need to have real conversations of which some of them are real tough with not easy words.  As you move through these conversations there are some things that God would have us do to make sure they are productive, godly and serving others well.

Ephesians 4:15 (NLT)

Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.

Speak the truth in love

Make sure you conversation is literally “seasoned” with love.  Even tough words and concepts must come from a heart of love for another person.

Colossians 3:16 (NLT)

Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.

Christ fill your lives

Check the words, concepts and motivation you have and use by filtering them with the Bible, God’s love letter and guidebook for our lives.  Our conversations are or ought to be meant to build up, to bless and to encourage others in great ways.  These conversations, those filtered with the Bible, lead to thankfulness.

Hebrews 10:24 (NLT)

Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.

Motivate one another to acts of love

Most conversations that are tough don’t leave people wanting to feeling loved or to be loving.  But I remember some conversations I have had that made me feel loved.  I know people gifted at this where they can almost slap you and you say thank you.  That’s odd.  But when our motives are right and we are seeking to help others, great things will come from these conversations.

James 3:10 (NLT)

And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right!

This is not right

There are times that our words don’t match our actions or our beliefs.  We call these people hypocrites, and all of us have been a hypocrite at some point in our lives.

My wife and I drove through the parking at a local fast food place last night where we saw 2 employees screaming at each other from each side of the parking lot.  They were loud, they were young and both sounded like sailors, if you know what I mean.  We need to watch our words in big ways.

Make sure that your conversations are building others up, helping them and you be better people.  Even when it is a tough conversation with not easy words involved ask God to make you an instrument of His grace as you follow His guidance.