Making Peace

When asking for forgiveness, it is easy to get lost in mumble jumble and not effectively reconcile with whoever we have hurt. Here are a few effective points to make it easier:

1. Acknowledge that you have done wrong. Example, "I was wrong in screaming at you"
2. Identify the sin by its specific name. Example, "That was selfish and unloving of me"
3. Acknowledge the harm your offense has caused (this is not always appropriate). 
4. Demonstrate repentance by identifying an alternative biblical behavior. Example, "I should have been patient with you"
5. Ask for forgiveness. Example, "Will you forgive me?"

And if at the receiving end of this request;

1. Forgive
2. Do not bring the matter up again and use it against the person
3. Do not talk to people about the offense
4. Do not dwell upon the offense yourself

Colossians 3:13"Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."

Power of the Tongue

"Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits"Proverbs 18:21

The consequence of a bad word does not have to be as drastic as death, but it will surely drain life out of you and those around you. It will destroy what could have been built further.

Relationships are the biggest culprit of our words. It takes tact and wisdom to know how to use words for the benefit of ourselves and those around us, especially when we are very different and our differences cause a lot of friction.

O how words could improve our relationships, like a lubricant, making the going smooth where it could be rough. Blessed is the person who has learnt to bridle their tongue, who considers options before speaking, for they are able to live in peace with both their enemies and friends. 

Just as in the beginning of the world was the Word, everything in our lives begins with words. O what a difference it would make if we chose to allow the right words into our lives, words that build and do not destroy.

John 1:1"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God"

Show Grace

Sometimes we see the evil happening around us and get shocked thinking,"who does that?" well, it's someone human like you. Let us stop thinking we are so much better than  'those ones'.

We are all children of God, whether lost or found. The only difference is in our choices. But it is important to keep in mind that we are all capable of doing the very worst, it is only by God's grace that we make the right choices.

Instead of being so distant and judgmental, show grace and love to that with whom you do not agree. It is the least you can do after all the abundant grace God has shown you. 

'I am human and nothing human can be alien to me' Maya Angelou

A Shoulder to Lean On

We all have those days that are so glum, when despite what we know, and despite any encouragement, the spirit remains low and needs time to recover. And sometimes it is a whole difficult season, when despite any effort, the situation just doesn't get better.

It is then, that beautiful people keep us going with their love and support, making our lives a little more pleasant, like rainbows in the clouds.

O, who of us goes through this life alone? Who goes through this life unsupported? No one, because we all need each other. We hold each other and offer each other shoulders to cry on. O, what a blessing it is to be the rainbow in someone's life.

Choose to be that rainbow and warm someone's heart.