Sunday, August 13, 2017

Compassionate

“Be kind and compassionate to one another. Forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4: 32, NIVUK)

Speaking redemptively is about being prepared to say the right thing at the right moment and showing self-control.  Speaking redemptively is refusing to let your talk be driven by passion and personal desire, but communicating instead with the Heavenly Father’s purposes in view.  It is bringing the faith needed to be part of what God is doing at that moment .Speaking redemptively is all about choosing words carefully.

Speaking redemptively is not a superficial matter of choosing the right vocabulary, but a fundamental heart commitment to choose words that promote the Almighty’s work in a particular situation. We do not want to indulge the passions of the sinful nature.

We do not want to provoke another to sin through our own conceit. We do not want to devour one another with words. Rather, we are committed to serve one another in love with our words. We can only be motivated to speak redemptively as we remember our daily need for the Almighty’s forgiveness, mercy, and grace.

When we fully comprehend our Heavenly Father’s mercy towards us, it becomes simpler to extend undeserved kindness to others.

“The reason to forgive ourselves is not because we feel like it or because we want to see ourselves as blameless but because we limit what we can receive from God when we hold on to our past. He wants to do so much more than we could ever imagine.
Forgiving yourself starts with believing in God's incredible love for you and accepting His amazing grace and mercy. If God Almighty can forgive us who are we to hold on to what He has not only forgiven but forgotten.” (Sue Augustine)

1.   Redemptive communication is not restrictive on another person’s actions.

“In whatever you do, don’t let selfishness or pride be your guide. Be humble, and honor others more than yourselves. Don’t be interested only in your own life, but care about the lives of others too.” (Philippians 2:3-4, ERV)

“In almost every marriage there is a selfish and an unselfish partner. A pattern is set up and soon becomes inflexible, of one person always making the demands and one person always giving way.” (Iris Murdoch)

2.   Redemptive communication is focused on guiding others in their own unique spiritual walk, and not controlling them to be your standard of godliness.

“With every step you take, think about what he wants, and he will help you go the right way.” (Proverbs 3:6, ERV)

“Christianity is called a spiritual walk. It's not a run, and it's not a jog. It's a walk you do from day to day, and…makes you stable.” (Orel Hershiser)

“Don’t let even one rotten word seep out of your mouths. Instead, offer only fresh words that build others up when they need it most. That way your good words will communicate grace to those who hear them.” (Ephesians 4:29, VOICE)[i]




[i] Inspired by the sermon “Redemptive Communication: Being Saved and Saving Others with Our Words” (installment two) Sunday, August 6, 2017 Elder Ryan Edwards, CenterPoint Gahanna Church Gahanna, OH
 
Sources used:
·        Loving Speech is Redemptive Speechby Natalie Klejwa
·        “Speaking Redemptively” by Paul David Tripp
 

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