Because we understand our fearful responsibility to the Lord, we work hard to persuade others. God knows we are sincere, and I hope you know this, too. 2 Corinthians 5:11
“Therefore, since we know what it means to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men; but not like so many others, who peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as men sent from God. We don’t do shameful things that must be kept secret. And we don’t try to fool anyone or twist God’s message around. God is our witness that we speak only the truth, so others will be sure we can be trusted.”
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. Ephesians 4:29
Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore, do not become partners with them; for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light. Ephesians 5:4-8
A new commandment I give you: “Love one another”. As I have loved you, so also you must love one another. John 13:34
Jesus commands us, that, we should love one another, and If at all possible, to live peaceably with all men. This assignment has challenged us more times that we could count, but we keep trying, because this is God’s will for us. Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to build each other up. For whoever serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men.
See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. 1 Thessalonians 5:15
“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, do not say, I will avenge this evil! Wait on the Lord, and He will deliver you.”
If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head. Proverbs 25:21-22
Have you ever had someone who was really against you eating out of your hands? Most times when people are against you, it is nothing that you have done, but they feel threatened by you or are jealous of you, and sometimes just because of the peace that you have. Learn to kill them with kindness and you will have them eating out of your hands in no time.
So, let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Galatians 6:9
“So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is within your power to act.”
My heart was hot within me, and I was overcome with anxiety, and the more I thought, the more troubled I became; then I spoke with my tongue. Psalm 39:3
My brothers and sisters in Christ, nothing good could come of words that we speak in anger. We speak amiss, we utter words we cannot take back, our anger is misplaced and it robs us of our peace. When we are troubled or when anxiety threatens to overwhelm us, let us find a quiet place to retreat, to refresh, to regroup, and recollect our thoughts.
“The Lord God is my strength; he will make my feet like deer’s feet, and he will make me walk on my high hills.” Knowing this, I will rejoice in the Lord, trusting him completely.
Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, though the labor of the olive may fail, and the fields yield no fruit, though the flock may be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls, yet, I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. Habakkuk 3:17-18
You have filled my heart with more joy than when grain and new wine abound. Psalm 4:7
“Light dawns in the darkness for the upright, for the one who is gracious, compassionate, and righteous. The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining brighter and brighter until midday. The godly will rejoice in the LORD and find shelter in him. And those who do what is right will praise him.”
I will praise him for what he has done; Let all who are helpless, listen and be glad. Psalm 34:2
“O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together. I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light. Happy is the man who has the God of Jacob for his help.”