We are living in days that are both challenging and surprising. As a believer it is a privilege to be alive to witness God moving across the earth, and yes, I mean earth. All too often we can get caught up in what is happening in our own backyard, and tragically miss the bigger picture. In fact, many years ago we had the privilege of living outside of the borders of the United States, and it proved to be both educational, and life changing. It is truly amazing when you can experience another culture up close and personal. It changes your perspective, and often reshapes your future expectations as you begin to see life through a wide angle lens.
As a believer we are not to judge people, but we are called to judge the words that they speak. We are looking for a witness to truth, and words that are in agreement with God. If another believer is speaking out of judgement, or condemnation, it is not of God. Words that do not edify and bless come from a soul that has been damaged, not from a spirt that has been redeemed.
For many of us there has been a degree of paring back, as we saw our patterns changed, and our choices become somewhat narrow. Yet, though it all there has remained a call. We are still called to be actively pursuing our purpose, even as we navigate these days.
There will always be someone who can benefit from the words that you speak, when you speak out of love, confidence, and assurance. These individuals are not looking to be assured by your experiences. They are in desperate need of a word that will give them the courage and stamina to keep going, keep fighting, and keep pursuing God. We can do that for each other, and we must!
Proverbs 18:20-21 From the fruit of a person’s mouth his stomach is satisfied; he is filled with the product of his lips. Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.