REAL LIFE! – Believe Series: Week Two
Authority of Scripture
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV)
Let me be clear and state something, the Bible is not a list of dos and don’ts. It is God’s love letter to us. It is the most practical book for every relationship in our life. God outlines safe boundaries for His glory and our benefit. When He says, “Honor you mother and father,” it benefits the child not just the parent. It benefits the entire family and the future families of that home.
This week I would like to point out just a few scriptures that teach us how to deal with all of our closest relationships in a practical way. You may believe in Jesus, and you may not, but you will be “hard-pressed,” to ignore the practicality of these verses.
“If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.”
Proverbs 18:13 (ESV)
The point – Listen!
When there are relational issues, what might we try to do? Argue our point even louder? Argue longer? Are you listening to the other person or just trying to win the fight/argument? People feel valued when they are heard, no matter if they are your spouse, your child, your parent, or your sibling. Listen to what they are saying! You just might learn something.
“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
Proverbs 15:1 (ESV)
The point – Be gentle in your words!
How might our relationships change if we respond with softness or gentleness when our expectations are not met? Would not our spouse, children, siblings or parents actually hear what we are saying? When we speak harshly, people may simply hear our tone rather than point. Speak kindly to one another. Often people treat strangers with more gentleness than they do their own family members.
“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.”
Proverbs 13:12 (ESV)
The point – See the possibilities!
Are you someone who is helping people accomplish their dreams or are you tearing their dreams down? Instead of looking for how something may not be able to happen, be open to helping make things happen. When your spouse talks about a vacation or an activity, instead of seeing the barriers, ask God to reveal the means. When your child comes up with an idea, explore some of the options with them.
“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”
Proverbs 16:9 (ESV)
The point – Ownership but not control!
We can have great ideas and do our best to accomplish them, but we must also understand that God is truly the one who orchestrates them. He always adjusts our plans, dreams, and hopes as he sees fit. All our plans are tentative.
I believe God wants us to own our lives and dreams and plans, but not control them. He is the one who is in the driver’s seat.
The Bible speaks to every aspect of our lives. While every single issue we experience may not be addressed specifically, they are all addressed “principally.” If we believe God is who he says he is and created us just as he desired us to be, then we can believe His word can equip us for every good work!
WEEK 2 Challenge:
Listen to what other people are telling you and then communicate back to them what you hear!
Speak kindly and considerately to the people who live in your home! Even when you are frustrated, just try to speak with gentleness.
When your child, spouse, sibling, boss, friend, parent has an idea about something, think about how you and they might be able to accomplish it, instead of seeing all the barriers. After thinking about ways to accomplish then look at some of the possible barriers and how they might be overcome. Most importantly, offer these plans up to the Lord. Say “God this is what I am thinking and planning, what do you think?”