Offenses offend. That’s what they are meant to do. And those offenses stick to the person like skin on bones.
Imagined offenses also offend. Misunderstanding and misinformation will cause these imagined offenses. But the effect is the same as actual offenses.
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No, you don’t need to check with me. Just get it done. You select, make the choice, decide, or choose what’s best.
Later, we can discuss and assess the situation. Since I trust your judgement, there is no risk involved. I feel secure in giving you the freedom.
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Talk to me. Don’t make a declaration. If you’re just expounding on a topic, I’d rather read up on it. Or, I’ll listen to an expert on that topic.
Take me with you. Don’t make me keep up with you. Start from where I am and lead me to where you want me to go.Tell me stories. The greatest teacher of all time told many stories. Stories ignite something in my brain that keeps me awake.
Speak just loud enough that I can hear you. You don’t need to yell. My ears hurt and I get irritated. Then I turn you off completely.
Tell me something that interests me. Sorry, I’m selfish. I’m interested in what I’m interested in. If you’re only going to tell me what you’re interested in, then I’m not interested.
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The person holding the position may not deserve honor. But give it anyway. Their behavior and attitudes may not be appropriate for your work environment, but honor them anyway.
Give honor to the position they hold. Give it for the sake of a peaceful work environment. Give honor hoping for a change even when it seems impossible.
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When Jesus said this to his disciples, I wonder what they understood and what Jesus meant. Of course, people have been trying to understand this for a very long time. You can look up the various explanations by typing those words into a search engine. The views are numerous and some complex and confusing.
I don’t want to add to the confusion in any way, but I certainly want to believe what Jesus said – just as he said it. But for now, let me work on doing the things he did. I haven’t raised the dead yet. But I sure would love to.
I would like to explore an additional possibility here. Those words represent to me the attitude and focus of Jesus. He called the disciples friends, brothers, children and other words of love and honor. As he was raising up a team of people who would spread the gospel much beyond the nation of Israel, they would certainly be special people.
I believe those words show the special focus of Jesus in building up people much beyond anything they have ever imagined. At that point, they were already doing the things that Jesus was doing, but they also struggled with their limitations as sinful human beings. But with his words, Jesus pulled off all limits and the possibilities would be beyond their wildest dreams.
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Examine the measure carefully. Is it tainted with jealousy? Is there a texture of callousness? Can that person stand up to the same measure?
Maybe there is a lot of truth that you don’t measure up. So what to do? Get better? I’m sure there’s room for improvement. Go ahead and step up to the challenge.
Now what about God’s measure? It’s quite steep. In fact none of us can measure up. We’re all doomed. But there’s a catch. His measure is tainted with grace. It’s true that you don’t measure up. But it’s equally true that is rigged with grace for us.
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It stays buried. Hidden from you. You may not know it’s there. But it’s got you on a leash and leads you according to its wishes. You wonder why you responded as you did. It baffles you how you feel that anger swell up within you.
Offences are like parasites. But worse. They survive not only on your body but on your emotions as well. First they take over your emotions and lead you where it wants you to go.
All during that time it continues its work on your body. It often begins with the weakest link. You treat the symptoms not knowing the actual roots. Some go on living their entire lives not knowing what’s truly happening to them.
Unbury those offences within you and begin dealing with them. Your offenders have gone on with their lives but you’re still stuck. But you can be free. Totally free. But some of the physical effects may remain with you. So the earlier you get rid of the offences, the better it is.
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When it’s an issue of character, don’t be quick to believe the evidence. It may be convincing. The source may be reliable. The evidence may be convicting.
But wait. Give some time. Think it over. If possible, sit with the accused and hear their side of the story. Step into their shoes and try to see it from their perspective. Things look different from their shoes.
Read this old time favorite of mine: “The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him” (Pro 18:17).
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Gifts are just gifts. For some it is done out of obligation. For others, it is a careless habit. Now there are those who make it quite a thoughtful matter. Lots of time, effort and energy goes into finding the perfect gift. For people who are quite selective, they would love to see that person use the gift that was given. But some just let it sit and collect dust. Others will carelessly give it away to someone else as their gift.
God the creator has given everyone gifts in life. His gifts were tailor made just for each person. Actually he does it like no one ever could. Not only does God create you, he creates the gift as well. Because he goes to so much trouble, he expects you to put it to use.
For God, that gift is His investment into your life so you can bless those around you and make the world a better place. Your gifts are to be used in the church, workplace, and community. That is God’s purpose for the gifts given to you.
So, what are you doing with the gift?
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Do you need help? Find people who need something and help them. If it is in your power to help, do it. If you’re not sure, find a way to help. Stretch yourself to help others.
If the help they need is out of your capability, find another person who can help. Refer them to the other person and make sure to follow up. Follow up until they get what they need.
During the process, you may think that this is really none of your business. But it is. As part of the human race, you have a moral obligation to help others.
As you continue to help people, you will leave a trail of kindness. Then when you are in need, you will benefit from a trail of kindness that someone else has left.
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