Unity, Compassion, and Brotherly Love: Living as Christ’s Body

Posted on by Jesse Walker

In First Peter 3:8-12, we find a powerful summary of how Christians should relate to one another. Though Peter begins with the word “finally,” he still has much to say about submission and Christian relationships. For several weeks, Peter has been teaching about submission – to governments, masters (or employers), and in marriage relationships. Now he brings it all together with guidance for how the church should function as a unified body.

What Does Christian Unity Really Look Like?

Peter calls believers to have “unity of mind.” This doesn’t mean we all must think exactly alike or that we can’t have different opinions. The Greek word used here is similar to “harmonious” – like a choir singing different parts that blend beautifully together. True unity happens when we give up our pride and stop insisting on being the “lead singer” who drowns out everyone else.

The church should function as one body with many parts, with no part considering itself more important than others. This requires humility – the opposite of pride. We can’t come to church thinking it’s all about us. The preacher, song leader, Bible class teacher – no one should think the church revolves around them. We’re one in the body of Christ, working in harmony.

How Should Christians Show Sympathy to One Another?

Peter calls us to sympathy – actually feeling what others feel. When one part of the body hurts, all parts should hurt. When someone cries, we should cry with them. When someone rejoices, we should rejoice with them.

True sympathy isn’t just acknowledging someone’s struggle with a casual “I’ll pray for you.” It means being moved to action. When you see a brother or sister suffering, sympathy should change you and motivate you to get involved. It says, “I need to help because they need someone who cares right now.”

What Does Brotherly Love Look Like in the Church?

The word Peter uses is “φιλάδελφοι — philadelphia” – brotherly love. This isn’t artificial or surface-level. It’s a deep, sincere love for your spiritual family. When you become a child of God, you should care about your brothers and sisters in Christ even more than the lost world.

This love should be practical. Do you miss your church family when they’re not around? How much time do you actively spend with them? Is loving your spiritual family a priority in your life, or just a nice verse in your Bible that doesn’t affect your actions?

Why Is Having a Tender Heart Essential for Christians?

The Greek word used here (εὔσπλαγχνοι — eusplagchnos) refers to deep compassion – the same compassion the Good Samaritan had for the injured Jewish man, and the same compassion Jesus had when he wept before raising Lazarus. It’s being moved with tenderness toward others.

We should be tender-hearted toward one another, caring deeply like Jesus did. Someone in your church family right now is probably going through something difficult – maybe fighting with their spouse, struggling at work, or dealing with illness in their family. We need to be the kind of people who come together and show love.

How Can Christians Maintain a Humble Mind?

A humble mind is the opposite of pride. Too often, churches fight over minor issues that won’t matter in eternity. We make small things into major disagreements. Instead, we should focus on what truly matters – loving one another and serving Christ together.

As Paul wrote to Timothy, we should avoid “vain discussions” and things that promote speculation rather than faith. Many church arguments fall into this category – things that ultimately won’t matter at the end of life.

How Should Christians Respond to Evil Treatment?

Peter continues in verse 9: “Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.”

This goes against our natural instinct to get even or even get ahead when someone wrongs us. In our social media culture, we’re quick to respond, to make sure we “win” the argument. But Christians are called to a different standard.

This doesn’t mean being a doormat, but it does mean recognizing that suffering is part of the Christian calling:

  • “For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ, you should not only believe in him, but also suffer for his sake” (Philippians 1:29)
  • “If we are children, then we are heirs, heirs of God, and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with him” (Romans 8:17)
  • “For to this you were called because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you example” (1 Peter 2:21)

Remember, you too were once lost until you met Jesus. Instead of retaliating, we’re called to bless others, hoping that God might work in their lives just as He worked in ours.

How Does Controlling Your Speech Lead to a Better Life?

“Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit” (v.10).

If you want a good life, learn to control your tongue! How many relationships have been damaged by words we wish we could take back? How many family members no longer speak to each other because of something that didn’t need to be said?

The tongue is difficult to tame, as James teaches. But controlling what we say is essential for loving life and seeing good days.

What Active Steps Should Christians Take for Peace?

“Let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it” (v.11).

Notice the action words: “turn,” “do,” “seek,” and “pursue.” These require effort. You can’t just wish to become more peaceful – you must actively work at it.

This means:

  1. Turning away from your old self
  2. Stopping harmful behaviors
  3. Starting to do what’s right
  4. Finding ways to be a peacemaker

You can’t do this on your own. You need to spend time in prayer, asking God to help you become a better person, to be more sympathetic, compassionate, and tenderhearted. Without God’s help through His Spirit, our efforts will ultimately fail.

How Does God Respond to Those Who Seek Peace?

“For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil” (v.12).

If you want God’s blessing, follow the instructions in the previous verses. When you do, God’s eyes are upon you, and His ears are open to your prayers. He’s like the father of the prodigal son, running to meet you.

But if you choose evil, God’s face is turned against you. If you want God in your corner, seek His ways and be a peacemaker, not a troublemaker.

Life Application

This week, focus on becoming the kind of Christian described in 1 Peter 3:8-12. Here are some practical steps:

  1. Before speaking, especially when upset, pause and ask: “Will these words build unity or create division?”
  2. Identify someone in your church family who is struggling and take concrete action to show sympathy – perhaps a meal, a visit, or practical help.
  3. Examine your relationships with fellow believers. Are there any where you’ve been holding back love or harboring resentment? Take steps to restore those relationships.
  4. Practice controlling your tongue for one full day. Before each conversation, pray for wisdom to speak words that bring life.
  5. Look for opportunities to be a peacemaker in your family, workplace, or church.

Ask yourself these questions:

  • Do I truly love my brothers and sisters in Christ as family?
  • When was the last time I was moved with compassion to help someone in need?
  • Am I known as someone who builds peace or someone who stirs up conflict?
  • How would my life change if I consistently controlled my tongue?
  • What specific relationship needs the peace-making touch of Christ through me this week?

Remember, none of this is possible through your own strength. Seek God’s help through prayer and rely on His Spirit to transform you into the person He’s called you to be.

Growing in faith: Putting away the old and embracing the new

Posted on by Jesse Walker

As we journey through 1 Peter, we’re reminded of our special calling as God’s chosen people. In chapter one, Peter established that we are the elect of God with a salvation being guarded for us. Now in chapter two, he builds on the command to “Be holy, for I am holy” by giving us practical steps for spiritual growth.

What Must I Put Away to Grow Spiritually?

Peter begins chapter two with a clear command: “Put away malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander.” This isn’t a suggestion—it’s an imperative in the original Greek, a direct commandment from God.

Let’s understand what we’re called to remove:

  • Malice: An active will to cause pain or harm to others
  • Deceit: Like a fisherman who hooks with attractive bait, this is manipulation
  • Hypocrisy: Being fake or wearing a mask, pretending to be something you’re not
  • Envy: Always wanting what others have, never being satisfied
  • Slander: Speaking about others without knowing if what you’re saying is true

When you become a child of God, you have an active role to play. God doesn’t turn you into a robot—you must make conscious decisions to put away these negative traits. While you can pray for God’s help, the responsibility to change remains yours.

How Do I Replace What I’ve Put Away?

After removing these negative traits, Peter tells us what to pursue instead:

“Like newborn infants, long for pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation.”

When babies want milk, they cry until they get it. They desire it intensely. This is how we should approach God’s Word. Do you have this kind of hunger for Scripture? For worship? For fellowship?

The progression is clear:

  1. Stop doing the harmful things
  2. Start desiring what nourishes your spirit
  3. Grow through consistent spiritual feeding

Why Is Experiencing God Essential for Growth?

Peter continues: “If indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.”

Experience with God is crucial for spiritual growth. It’s not enough to hear about God from others—you need personal encounters with Him. This means:

  • Getting off the bench and into the game
  • Serving others even when it’s uncomfortable
  • Visiting the sick
  • Helping those in need
  • Being present with those who are suffering

You can’t grow if you’re just a spectator. Like a wrestler who practices but never competes, you’ll miss the transformative power of putting your faith into action.

What Does It Mean to Be Living Stones?

Peter uses a powerful metaphor, describing Jesus as “a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious.” He then extends this metaphor to us:

“You yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood.”

This teaches us several important truths:

  1. Jesus is our foundation – He’s the cornerstone that everything else aligns with
  2. We are shaped by God – Like stones chiseled to fit perfectly in a wall
  3. We function together – Individual stones forming one structure
  4. We have priestly duties – Offering spiritual sacrifices and serving others

The church isn’t just a building or organization—it’s living stones joined together, with each one shaped differently but fitting perfectly in God’s design.

What Is Our Identity and Purpose?

Peter reminds us of our true identity:

“You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession.”

This isn’t meant to scare us but to remind us of our responsibility. We belong to God’s kingdom—a kingdom with a King, not a democracy. We serve at His pleasure and according to His commands.

Our purpose flows from this identity:

“Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that… they may see your good deeds and glorify God.”

We exist to bring glory to God through our conduct. We’re called to punch holes in darkness by the way we live our lives.

Why Is the Church Essential for Growth?

Some believe they can grow spiritually without the church, but Peter’s metaphor of living stones proves otherwise. The church is:

  • God’s chosen instrument for making a difference in the world
  • The place where living stones join together in unstoppable force
  • The community where we help each other with our problems
  • The family where we learn to love sincerely

One hour a week isn’t enough for spiritual nourishment. Just as you wouldn’t survive on one meal a day, you need regular, consistent time with God and His people.

Life Application

This week, take these practical steps toward spiritual growth:

  1. Identify and remove: What negative traits from Peter’s list (malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, slander) do you need to put away? Choose one to actively work on this week.
  2. Develop spiritual hunger: Set aside specific times to feed on God’s Word. Don’t just read—hunger for it like a newborn desires milk.
  3. Experience God through service: Find one way to serve someone this week that takes you out of your comfort zone.
  4. Connect with other “living stones”: Reach out to another believer for encouragement, prayer, or fellowship outside of regular church services.

Ask yourself these questions:

  • Am I actively putting away my old self, or am I making excuses for harmful behaviors?
  • Do I truly hunger for God’s Word, or do I approach it as a duty?
  • How am I experiencing God through serving others?
  • Am I functioning as a living stone in God’s house, or am I trying to stand alone?

Remember, spiritual growth isn’t optional—it’s commanded. But the journey of becoming who God created you to be brings joy, purpose, and the satisfaction of tasting that the Lord is good.

Predestined – People or Plan?

Posted on by Jesse Walker

Are some people predestined for salvation while others are destined for condemnation? If that were true, what purpose would there be in striving to do what is right if one’s eternal fate is already fixed? Some might argue, “Since we don’t know our destiny, we should do our best in hopes of being saved.” But that sounds more like a cruel game of chance—like spiritual Russian Roulette: “Go ahead and try, but in the end, it might not matter because your outcome is already decided.” That picture doesn’t align with the just and loving nature of God revealed in Scripture.

We’re told in John 3:16 that, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”  This verse clearly states that “all” have a choice to believe or not to believe.

Predestination is certainly part of God’s Holy Word. So, if God isn’t picking and choosing, how do we harmonize it with the bible. The most important question is, “Did God predestinate the individual or the plan?

There are several reasons I do not believe God predetermined a person’s eternal destiny:

  1. God is not a respecter of persons (Acts 10:34; Romans 2:11; Ephesians 6:9).
  2. It would make God responsible for the damnation of the wicked (Ezekiel 18:21-23; 33:11).
  3. It would deny that God wants all men to be saved (Mark 16:15-16; I Timothy 2:4; II Peter 3:9; Titus 2:11-14).
  4. It would refuse to accept Christ died for all men (Hebrews 2:9; I Timothy 2:6; I John 2:2; 4:14).
  5. It would reject man’s free will choice (John 5:40; Matthew 23:37; Revelation 22:17; John 24:15).
  6. It would make the call to repentance hypocritical (Matthew 11:28; Acts 17:30; II Corinthians 5:10-11; Acts 10:34-35).

From the very beginning of time, God established a plan to restore fallen humanity to the relationship once enjoyed in the garden before the fall. Acts 2:23 tells us, “This Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men.” Peter reminds his audience that Jesus’ death was not an accident—it was the fulfillment of God’s sovereign and predestined plan to bring salvation through Christ. Jesus became the spotless sacrifice, offered for all who would believe. Thank you, Lord, for your gracious all-inclusive plan of redemption—a plan that embraces everyone. Through Jesus, salvation is available to all who believe in Jesus: male and female, Jew and Gentile, slave and free.

What is God’s primary goal for my life?

Posted on by Jesse Walker

Have you ever wondered what God’s primary goal is for you? Do you know it’s not to make you happy? This might shock you, but God’s primary goal for his children is to make them holy.

Matthew 16:26 says, “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?” This is the kind of person who has anything in life they can dream of, but in the end loses it all. They end up eternally separated from God. But boy were they happy for a short while on earth. They “gained the entire world.”
Joy comes from knowing who Jesus is. Joy is found in those who have been, “enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit (Hebrews 6:4). The Apostle Paul said in Philippians 4:12, “I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.” It’s not the amount of stuff you accumulate. We are to store up treasures in heaven that last. (Matthew 6:19-21). Joy belongs to those who have experienced God. He is more than just knowledge in a book. More than a cute bedtime story. More than a baby in a manager. He is the Son of God, sent to earth to free us from every sin.

God is working overtime, to make you what you need to be. Remember it isn’t what is in a person that defiles them, but what comes out. (Matthew 5:11). It’s a heart condition. Jesus told the religious leaders of his day, you honor me with your lips, but your hearts are far from me. (Matthew 15:8).

God did not call his followers “to be impure, but to live a holy life.” (1 Thessalonians 4:7). In 1 Peter 2:9 we read, “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.”

If you’re waiting on God to make you happy, can I suggest you consider how you are living. God is working to make you holy. If you seek His Kingdom and His Righteousness first, all these other things will be added to you. (Matthew 6:33). True joy is only found in God. Happiness is a byproduct of walking holy with God.

Do you speak your child’s love language?

Posted on by Jesse Walker

 

In I Corinthians 13:3 Paul writes, “If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.” Let that sink in a minute. You can live a life of sacrifice but if you don’t do it in a loving manner, it will mean nothing to God. Simply put, without love the best intentions don’t matter. You can be a parent with good intentions, but without love nothing you do will matter. You can discipline, and discipline until the cows come home, but it will all be a huge waste of time if not done with love.

Even if you do it with love, and it’s not the love language of your child it will be as if you don’t love them. I have heard many stories from children that tell me my parents don’t love me. I know their parents and I know they love their children. The issue is as parents we often don’t know how to speak the love language of our children. Gary Chapman and Ross Campbell in their book “The 5 love languages of children” list the five love languages as: (1) Physical touch, (2) Words of affirmation, (3) Quality time, (4) Gifts, and (5) Acts of service.

Is your child clingy? Do they always seek your attention? If so, it’s likely their primary love language is physical touch. Does your child seek attention, do they ask you over and over how they did. Their primary love language might be affirmation. Do they always want your attention, do they ask you to play cards with them, to throw the ball with them, their primary love language may be quality time. Quality time is when you give your undivided attention. They want you to put down your cell phone and listen to what they have to say.

You can tell your child you love them over and over, but if you’re not using their love language it will all be for nothing. They will still feel unloved and will lead to disciplinary problems. Speaking their love language doesn’t mean there won’t be any problems with your child later. But love is the key to the foundation on which they will enter adulthood.
Parents the greatest tool you have available to you in raising children is love. Not the amount of time you spend running from program to program. Not how fancy their clothing is. Not how many trips you take to Disney.

I want to be clear, knowing your child’s love language doesn’t do away with discipline. But when you discipline explain it to them using their love language. Never discipline out of anger. If you need a minute to gather yourself, take it. Then using their love language share with them why you are punishing them. I remember telling my youngest son once, how much I love him, but like God who disciplines his children, as your earthly father I can’t let your behavior go unpunished. There are consequences for breaking the rules. After I grounded him, and pulled him off of the football team, he knew why. And many years later he told me it was the best thing I ever did for him. Did you hear that, he said this was the best thing “you ever did for me.” All discipline should be for a purpose. To help our children become a better person. To become more like God and his Son. If you’re discipling in a rage, out of control and with no clear purpose, you are causing more harm than good.
Every child needs to receive love from all five of the different love languages. If you don’t know your child’s primary love language or your own for that matter, why not take some time today to figure them out. Doing this might help resolve some current issues you and your family are facing today. It will certainly help in building a brighter tomorrow for your children as they move into adulthood.

Lost and Found

Posted on by Jesse Walker

Have you ever lost your car keys, misplaced your cell phone, or forgot where you put your wallet? I have, and the feeling is terrible. I can’t focus on anything else until I find them. My mind runs a hundred miles a minute. I will search the entire house until I find them. Nothing is safe. I replay in my mind every step I took throughout the day. I flip the couch upside down and search behind the seats. I check the pockets of every pair of pants I’ve worn. Nothing is safe until I find the lost item.

Did you know there are three stories similar to losing something valuable in the bible. There is the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son in Luke 15:1-32. First there is a shepherd who has ninety-nine sheep and loses one. The Shepherd will not rest until he has found the one lost sheep. And when he does, he throws a big party where his friends and heaven rejoice.

Secondly there is the story of the woman who has ten coins and loses one. She cleans her house from top to bottom until she finds the lost coin. And when she does, she invites her friends to celebrate with her and the angels in heaven.
Thirdly, there is the Father whose Son left home and went astray. The father longs for the son to return home. He watched for him every day. Until one day the Son returns home. The son full of shame begs his father to just accept him as one of his servants. But the father calls all his friends to come and celebrate with him. He puts on a feast. He kills the fated calf; he dresses the son in royalty. And welcomes him back into the family. There is no second place for any child of God in his home. All are royalty.

What was Jesus trying to teach the religious leaders of his day and more important what is he teaching us today? I believe it must have had something to do with the value of humankind. The religious leaders of Jesus day saw no value in anyone who wasn’t of their nationality. They thought their birthright and their heritage made them better than anyone else. However, Jesus shows the infinite value of his creation. Every lost soul is important to God. He loves them so much he sent his Son into the world to reveal who God is, and his unimaginable love for them. And to pay the price to provide a way back home through the cross of Jesus.

Did you know that God loves you so much he searches for you until he finds you? And when He does, he celebrates your return. Like we read in 1 Corinthians 13:5, His love keeps no record of wrongs. The lost son thought his sins were so bad, his father wouldn’t accept him back into his family. But the Father would have nothing to do with it. There isn’t a second or third or fourth place in the Kingdom of God. Your Father owns the cattle on a thousand hills (Psalms 50:10). Everything he has is yours to enjoy. This is something the older son didn’t understand. What a sad thing to be in the Kingdom of God and not recognize that everything God has is available to you. He has given you everything that pertains to life and Godliness. Yet many choose to live as if every day has to be a struggle. We of all people who are saved, should run, and shout and tell all of our friends, I was lost but now I’m found. I’m rich because of who my heavenly Father is. Rich or poor, I lack nothing. I can do all things through him who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13). That’s the story of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son. And it’s the story of every believer who repents of their sins and accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Father thank you for searching for me until you found me. Thank you for accepting me when I repented. And thank you for restoring me to my rightful position within your family. All who trust in you are a son or daughter in your Kingdom with no shame, no guilt, and no condemnation.

 

Happy New Year -2025

Posted on by Jesse Walker

Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year. 2025 is upon us. I hope you had a wonderful 2004 and are looking forward to an even greater 2025. If you find yourself struggling with difficulties, if there are burdens weighing you down, I pray you will surrender them to Jesus. Matthew 11:28-30 says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Jesus’ invitation is to “learn” from him. In other words, his calling is to all who will accept him and trust in him. If you do that, he promises you rest and peace. What we all need in the middle of our struggles is more of Jesus and less of ourselves. John 15:13 – says, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” You will not find a better friend than Jesus.

As 2025 rolls in, what are you going to do to ensure you “learn” or trust more in God? One of the greatest gifts you can give yourself and your families is the gift of Jesus. You can learn to love like he loves. You can learn to surrender your burdens to him. You can worry a little less. You can serve like he served. You can commit to never giving up. Oh, you can be assured there will be difficulties in this life. But that doesn’t have to rule the day. As the Apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 3:12-14, “12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

“If 2024 wasn’t all you wanted it to be. Do as the Apostle Paul says, “forget about the past and press on toward your goal.” Press on to becoming what God has called you to be. Nick Saban once said, “undisciplined people do dumb things, and disciplined people do smart things.” He goes on to explain, there will be days when you don’t want to go to the gym, but disciplined people go because they know the only way they will achieve their goal is to be disciplined.

As 2025 rolls in, have you made any plans to increase your commitment to God? When you look forward don’t forget to be disciplined in your efforts to include God. To carve out time for Him. To include him in your activities. If you lack discipline, you will fail to achieve your goal. With the new year closing in, how are you purposely planning to increase your walk with God? There will be competing obstacles screaming for your attention. The enemy will not leave you alone. Putting God first, will not happen without a conscience effort. Undisciplined people make stupid decisions. Remember, you can’t change the past, but you can help shape your future by the decisions you make going forward.

Toxic Friendships

Posted on by Jesse Walker

 

Friends can make an enormous difference in our lives. Those you keep company with will have an effect on your behavior, your emotional status, your self-esteem, and the decisions you make.

Warning you are about to enter the “Danger Zone” When choosing your friends, choose wisely. Provers 18:24 says, “One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” An unreliable friend will let you down when you need them most. They will convince you to do things that serve them and not you. Unreliable friends are terrible listeners. It’s all about them. Good friends are those who will be there for you in your times of trouble. When you are tempted to sway from God’s truth, good friends can help you remain faithful. John 15:13 says, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” A good friend is someone who puts his friend’s wellness above their own.

Do your friends continually break your trust? Do they try and stop you from making other friends? Do they try and get you to participate in things you know are wrong? If they do, you may have a bad friend. Does your friend respect your goals? Do they help you become the best you? How you answer these questions will help you determine if your friend is in the “Danger Zone.” A good friend will tell you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear. They will do this even when it isn’t pleasant. Proverbs 27:9 says, “Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.” Who you let be in your closest circle of friendship can make or break you. Jesus is the best friend you can ever have. He is a friend that will never leave you nor forsake you. He is a friend that gave his life for you. He is a friend you can count on when the chips are down. Are your friendships in the “Danger Zone”? Are they pulling you away from God or driving you closer? Are they strengthening your marriage or are they weakening it? The longer a bad friendship is allowed to remain, the more damage it will do.

 

Speak Truth

Posted on by Jesse Walker

Plato once said, “No one is more hated than he who speaks the truth.” If we really care about our society, about our friends, then there will be times when we must speak the truth even when we know they don’t want to hear it.
Recently a friend did that for me. He lovingly took me aside and shared with me some things I needed to hear. He did this knowing it might not be received well. That our friendship may be hurt or even broken because of it. And I’m thankful he cared enough to share the truth with me.
Would you allow your friend to go out in public if you knew his pants were unzipped? Would you allow them to drink something that you knew had been poisoned? These are easy decisions because they won’t harm your friendship. But would you talk to them about their immoral behavior if it were needed? Would you tell them the truth if they were in a toxic relationship? That they have a drinking problem, a drug addiction, an out-of-control temper. That they are lazy and refuse to work.
In Galatians 4:16 the Apostle Paul said, “Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth?” He was informing the Galatian Christians that false teachers were leading them astray from the true Gospel. They were slipping back into their old traditions. Paul was reminding them that there is only one Gospel (Galatians 1:6-9). This is one truth many today hate to hear. They believe there are many ways to God. But the “Truth” is there is only one way and that way is Jesus Christ (John 14:6).
Friend, be careful on what you let the world tell you is truth. There are many false teachers in our world that will try and convince you that you can live anyway you want and still go to heaven. There are many who teach that God is Love, and therefore will not punish anyone. There are others that say there is no hell. These are all lies.
I say this knowing that some find me offensive and close minded. But being concerned that you’ll damage a relationship should never keep you from saying something that needs to be said. However, telling the truth doesn’t give anyone a license to be ugly or mean. Or to look down their nose. Before you share your truth make sure it is “The Truth” and not “Your Opinion.” And if you are convinced it’s the truth, then be sure to speak in love (1 John 4:7-12). Remember you can be right and still be wrong by how you share the truth. Ugly words, and unholy attitudes and outright meanness and judgmental attitudes have done more harm to the Church than anything else. Yes, we must stand for truth, but be sure when you do, you don’t become the very thing that drives them away because of your actions. Actions speak louder than words, and that’s the truth. Live what you teach.

Focused among criticism

Posted on by Jesse Walker

Have you ever allowed others to derail your efforts in doing something good because of their negativity or because of how they have treated you? I have meant many over the years, who have straight out given up because of being treated poorly by other Christians. I’ll bet you have too. In fact, there’s an extremely high chance you are one of the hurt ones.

I love the Book of Nehemiah because of how it teaches us to trust God and to block out others who try to destroy our good work. We must become people who continually stick to the task no matter how much the enemy throws at us. Any time you try and do God’s work, the opposition will come. It always does. The devil isn’t slow to attack those who are doing God’s work. A Church begins to grow, and the complaints begin to roll in. But they aren’t like us. Their kids are uncontrollable. You name it, the devil will use it. Yet Nehemiah refused to listen and convinces those working with him to stay focused with their assignment (Nehemiah 2:18).

How did Nehemiah do this? He knew his success would come from God not from men. He told the Israelites “The God of heaven will give us success” (Nehemiah 2:20). How easy would it had been for Nehemiah to make excuses on why the work couldn’t be completed. He could have easily said, we don’t have enough workers. We don’t have enough money. Why not let someone else deal with the headaches?

Part of the job description of every good leader is to be able to manage criticism. It just naturally comes with the position.
A wise leader must evaluate the voice of those speaking to him. If it’s from God, do what God says. If it’s from the enemy be courageous and refuse to give in. The devil will attack every good leader. A leader’s task is to stay focused and know they are doing what God has called them to do. Opposition will come, but God will overcome.