Charity2

I want to continue with our thoughts from June 1, 2007 on charity which is the same as love.

When I left off yesterday I was speaking of encouraging people. When we encourage people make sure it is real, regular and recognizable, in other words be specific.

Number three is we want to give honest counsel. Do not make up things just to hear your voice. Make sure what you are saying is pertinent to the person and situation.

Learning is progress. There is no learning without feedback.

Proverbs 27:17 "Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend." In other words people learn from other people.

Provers 27:6 "Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful." A true friend means well even when he hurts you.

Correction done the correct way builds people up, but correction done the wrong way can do more damage and scar a person for life.

The motive must be to correct not condemn.

Galatians 6:1 (NLT) " Dear brothers and sisters, if another Christian is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path."

Affirm that person, correct the behavior. Give full credit where credit is due.

Romans 12:10 "Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another." God can do great things through the person who doesn't care who gets the credit.

Jesus is our example. He did all things for us. It is only right that we should do for our brothers and sisters with brotherly love one to another.

If you have a situation where you cannot love another person, ask Jesus to love that person through you and soon you will love that person without reservation.

Jesus, today I ask for your love to be manifested in each of your children. We will be able to love the unlovable just as you loved us when you died on the cross for our sins. Let us show your love to all we come in contact with each day. Amen.