The Special of the Day... From the Orange Moon Cafe...
"Approachable"
Various personality traits comprise the beautiful and "fitly joined together" tapestry of the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:16). Some believers are open and gregarious. Some are quiet and reserved. Most are somewhere in between. Our Heavenly Father calls all, however, to exhibit in their own way the kindness and graciousness of the Lord Jesus.
"The servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves" (II Timothy 2:24-25).
"Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness" (Colossians 3:12-14).
Whatever our natural disposition, believers must exhibit a strong sense of approachability, of being "harmless as doves" (Matthew 10:16). This does not preclude honesty and forthrightness as we "speak the truth in love" and make our stand for God and His truth (Ephesians 4:15). It does mean, however, that we should never be guilty of presumption, arrogance, harshness, or carelessness regarding the needs of others. We must relate to people as our Heavenly Father relates to us (Matthew 5:48). Through Christ, we find Him approachable and "harmless" as He always acts in and for our benefit. Believer and unbeliever alike must sense the same in us, sensing both the conviction and compassion that reflects the One who offers "access by faith into this grace" (Romans 5:2).
"Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light."
(Matthew 11:28-30).
"Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me."
(Revelation 3:20)
"For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by His life."
(Romans 5:10)
Weekly Memory Verse
Pray without ceasing.
(I Thessalonians 5:17)
6148
No comments:
Post a Comment