Daily Devotional “Speaking The Truth In Love”

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Be different!

August 10, 2023

“If I have the gift of prophecy . . . but do not have love, I am nothing” (1 Corinthians. 13:2).

Love is an indispensable ingredient in the learning process.

I have the privilege of spending time each week with hundreds of young people who attend College.

As I observe their progress, I see the impact godly teachers have had on their lives, and I’m convinced that students learn best when they know their teachers genuinely care about them.

Isn’t that true in any relationship?

Don’t you respond more readily to those who love you and have your best interests at heart?

That’s certainly true in ministry.

Think of the pastors and teachers who have meant the most to you over the years.

They’re probably the ones who have loved and ministered to you in special ways.

Whether it’s a pastor, teacher, family member, or friend, whoever speaks to people on behalf of God must do so with genuine love and concern.

That’s the positive side of Paul’s negative statement in 1 Corinthians 13:2. Jeremiah was such a man.

He loved the people of Israel deeply and was grieved at their apostasy and impending judgment.

“Oh, that my head were waters,” he said, “and my eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people!” (Jeremiah. 9:1). That’s the spirit of a loving prophet, and typical of Jeremiah’s lament over his people’s sin.

Loveless preaching and teaching misrepresent God’s character and hinder the gospel; loving proclamation is winsome and effective. That doesn’t mean all who hear you will respond positively—quite the contrary.

The people of Judah didn’t listen to Jeremiah so they incurred severe judgment.

Similarly, some to whom you speak will politely reject what you say; others will react with hostility.

But those who respond in faith will appreciate your loving concern for their spiritual well-being.

Prayer

Thank God for those who have ministered to you in love. Seek to follow their example as you reach out to others.

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Author: Mashie

Urban Planner + Community/Economic Development + Sustainability Strategist +Evangelist People know me as a highly collaborative, resourceful, strategic, insightful, and proactive relationship-builder who is able to seamlessly liaise with internal and external stakeholders and thrive in an entrepreneurial environment. I bring creativity & outside of the box thinking to the table combined with practical tactics that achieve program success. More so, preaching the gospel of Jesue Christ in a different dimension CONTACT US If you have any questions regarding this Privacy Policy, please contact the owner and operator of this website business at: Mannette INC. Attn: Privacy Policy Officer 2021 Obuasi Avenue 1818, Obuasi, Central, Site 14 Walk Email: Mashie@mannette.com Telephone: 233247456359 View all posts by Mashie