I am not an expert on Parkinson's disease, but it is a neurological disorder where the brain stops communicating with the muscles. Eventually you can't move. No matter how much you try to think an arm of leg into cooperating it just isn't going to happen. The body stops working together.
As important as solid foundational doctrine is, it becomes useless when it is disassociated with love. Paul says that knowledge puffs up and arrogance sets in when it is displayed without love. Truth is important, but when wielded as a club it is ineffective.
There was a couple who attended our small group, who were part of a cult. They were very open to Jesus and I had numerous opportunities to share the gospel. Another member of our group felt compelled, in front of everyone, to dismantle the cults belief system in a harsh and public fashion. It so upset the couple they left and we never heard from them again.
"It is my job to speak the truth, not worry about how others feel. If they are meant to believe then they will." Was their defense.
Truth is very important, but it must always be spoken in love. People are willing to hear hard truths if they know their is love and compassion behind the words. Forceful condemnation seldom accomplishes the righteousness of God. A soft word turns away wrath, kindness opens hearts to hear the truth.
When we speak the truth in love we help people grow in the direction of God. And when we use our gifts together the high calling of unity is achieved. When we strive together, and the body is working properly we all grow.
Speak the Truth in love. Use our gifts for the edification of the body. Maintain unity. Grow in live.
Its a simple formula, but it takes getting off our high horse and serving others. I'm just saying...
Eph. 4:15,16 "Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.
No comments:
Post a Comment