Bible Study August 7, 2024
Ephesians 4:15 – 16 (LSB)
“So that we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming, 15 but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, that is Christ,”
Solomon may have been the wisest man who ever lived outside of Jesus Christ. He wrote the book of Proverbs which has been an iconic work on wisdom. In the New Testament Paul wrote to the Colossians whatever we do in word should be done in the name of the Lord. We speak as Jesus would speak.
Now that may seem like a tall task for many us including me. But if we were to think about it who better to pattern conversation around than Jesus? He spoke the words of His Father while on earth.
We should speak the truth in love, with wisdom, and encouragement. I have told many people over my life there are two ways to answer a person. One is to react which leaves a negative result and my indeed hurt the person more than we expected. The alternative is to respond to them. By that I mean what did they say, how did they say it, do I need to ask a clarifying question to better understand where they are coming from? Then I can with wisdom respond in love.
We do not need to say everything we think without thinking first. We must resist thoughts that provoke another.
“”The man who lives right, and is right, has more power in his silence than another by his words.” Phillip Brooks.
God Bless.
Asbury Chapel 