A Helpful Rebuke

Didn't you treat your sister Sodom as an object of scorn when you were proud, before your wickedness was exposed? Ezekiel 16:5

What a lesson for us all! As soon as we think we're better than another sinner, we set ourselves up for a leveling of sorts. It doesn't mean it's wrong to call a sin a sin but that unless sin is dealt with carefully, we become as bound to sin as the ones we rebuke. 

Sin isn't something to be addressed through manipulation and control. It's to be dealt with boldly, yes, but in humility so that we help one another. If all we're doing is making them defensive, we will never get through to be able to do so and we're missing the very point in rebuking. It's important to approach it understanding that none of us are exempt from committing the same sins as the next person. 

All throughout scripture, pride is the outlet through which sin seems to become mysteriously contagious. Therefore, know your own heart and admit your shortcomings so that you can get the stick out of your own eye before trying to help the next person. Doing it that way certainly changes how you see and treat other sinners and how they respond to you. If you truly want to be close to the Lord, you will have to deal with your own heart before Him- not anyone else's. 

God, The Encourager

An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. Proverbs 31:10

I have read this verse many a time, and so I tend to overlook how it applies to me and let it sink in. I've always wanted to be the wife in this verse but never thought that I could be. But recently the Lord had me take a second look. He spoke to me in it, specifically to me. He affirmed me as a wife, reminding me that I am rare. He wanted me to know this, to let it sink it for me personally. He wanted me to know that He is pleased with me, despite my short-comings. He wanted to lift me up, because He is the ultimate encourager.

Are you a spouse who seeks God's will in your relationship, who leans on God as a refuge and completer? Then this verse is for you. Let it sink in. You are an excellent spouse, whose worth is far more than rare jewels...because you are a rare find. The Lord affirms you. You don't have to be perfect, but to have the kind of heart God is looking for. And if you don't, He will help you if you let Him.

You see, it's important to our God that we stay encouraged so that we persevere and, in order to do so, we must fight against the enemy's weapon of discouragement. Believe it, the enemy loves to find every little way to take us down. And often, we help him by resisting the encouragement God has for us. So, take in God's encouragement for yourself, whether it be this scripture or another one you feel being pressed on you. Believe it because He said it - not because you're perfect or follow all the rules, but because He is merciful and gracious and what He says is meant to become your truth. 

Oh child of God, He delights in you even when you don't get it right. God wars for you by encouraging you, if you'll truly listen and let it sink in you will find that believing Him is the key to victory in this life. When you believe Him, you'll find that your heart and mind keep getting stronger. Before you know it, God's strength in you will have overcome several of your giants. Stay encouraged!