Hi Ladies,
This is a great chapter and I really like this quote "You will have to care enought to lovingly speak the truth, even when you would rather gloss over a problem or ignore an issue. While it is much easier to remain silent when others around us are harming themsleves or others with sinful pattern, it is not the loving thing to do." I think we do this all the time and do not tell people what should be said we think oh it's someone else's problem they will tell them. We need to recognize this and change it because our faith tells us that we need to do what is right and encourage believers in God to do the right thing. "An honest answer is the sign of a true friendship." Wow, I really love this because it is so true! We always beat around the bush and we need to remember that we need to say it lovingly and not scolding or in a judging way. We could use this advice with our significant others and remember that we need to do it in a loving way. He also says that the bible states that there is a right time and place to say things, we need to be more compassionate and considerate. Respecting others differences and being considerate is a huge thing to me because it is so important in my eyes to respect each other. In reading this chapter I thought it was funn when he said their are "ERG people (Extra Grace Required)." I have very little patience for these people and I need to really pray about it because who am I to judge them on how they are. I need to just show love to the know-it-alls of the world and realize that they are people of God also. This is truly a tought one though because I just write those people off but it is my goal to show them love. We need to keep others information confidential and not gossip about what is said. I sometimes catch myself and have to tell myself that I need to not talk about that person. I am a pretty good listener and secret keeper but I do sometimes find it difficult when I find out about people I don't care too much about having issues and sharing the issues with other friends. I know that I need to stop this and respect others privacy regardless of how I feel about them. I think we should all go by this: "If you are a member of a small group or class, I urge you to make a group covenant that includes the nine characteristics of biblical fellowship: We will share our tru feelings (authenticity), encourage each other (mercy), speak the truth in love (honest), admit our weaknesses (humility), respect our differences (courtesty), no gossip (confidentiality), and make a group a priority (frequency)." I really enjoyed this chapter ladies.
I wanted to ask you on a side note to please pray for my baby boy Evan that the next several appointments with the cardiologist will go well and eventually when he has surgery that it will too go well. Lastly, Chris has a phone interview with the capital group on Monday; please pray that he says the right things and that God would bless us (if it is his will) to get the position.
Have an amazing weekend. Love you all!
Jess
I really like the idea of creating a small group to pray and bible study. I think it would be good for us to follow the guidelines of confidentiality and honesty and humility. I also think this chapter made me realize how important frequency is with studying and praying the word. I know I need people and sometimes I find myself bymyself so alone. So it made me realize that I don't have to go at this alone and small group will help seek the guidance and support I may need at times. Also, I can be there for others as well. I look forward to us creating a small community that encorporates everything God values and helps us share his word.
ReplyDeleteJess, I also like the way it said we have to have extra grace for certain people. I sometimes feel it isn't fair that certain people get to act a certain way and still complain about there situation. God gives grace to the humble so humble yourself and consider that other persons feelings. Give more honor to others than yourself, don't act like you know it all.
Sometimes it's hard to give advice. At times people give you such a hard time for telling them how you truly feel. I have been praying about this because if you don't say how you feel sometimes it comes out in other ways. So yes I pray that I can be honest with others but I fear the honesty isn't appreciated the way it should be. So many people truly don't want to hear it but do they ever want to dish it out.
So I pray we extend our group and that our little group stays the course.