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The Truth Of The Matter is - Episode: 84 Lost Episode Theme For The Year! Preference Your Approach And Communication
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Lost Episode Theme of the Year in 2023. "Preference Your Approach And Communication!"
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Transcript
Introduction & Countdown
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10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.
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This is the truth of the matter is podcast.
Meet the Host & New Year Wishes
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I'm your host Jonathan and this is episode 84. Thank you so much for listening in today. Before we begin, let's give a round of applause to all who have decided to join us today.
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Not only do I want to give you a round of applause for joining us today, we want to welcome you in to the new year of 2023.
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We think you and hope that you continue to press play at your own convenience. Happy new year to all. I appreciate you taking the time to listen to this broadcast, and I hope that what I have to share with you today will be a blessing to you.
Themes vs. Resolutions for the New Year
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So, let's begin by praying first and foremost. Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus, Lord, we thank you for another year. Now, as we step into this new year, we should be well aware that the popular approach for many is to be goal-oriented.
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to make promises of change in some fashion, to bring forth new, thoughtful resolutions. Here on The Truth and the Matter is podcast, we believe it's wise to have themes, not resolutions. In your word, you told us in the Book of Proverbs, chapter 20, verse 25, that it is a trap to dedicate something rashly only later to consider one's vow.
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Therefore, Lord, we prefer to internalize things for as long as we are alive in this life. Time that we don't have.
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but appreciate the time that you do give us. Lord, as we talk about the thing for this new year, I pray that the Holy Spirit reminds us of who we are in you, Christ Jesus, that is children of God and heirs according to your promise. So Lord, we say these things humbly and honestly with surety. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.
Reflecting on Last Year's Theme
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So last year the theme for the year was to fill up your jar. Now the jar represents your bank. The bank has various functions but the common use of a bank is to store up your money for future usage. The purpose of the jar in this case is to store up holy spirit breed, godly inspired words.
00:02:56
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from his word. As files of Christ we know that Jesus said this in the book of Luke chapter 11 verse 28 and I love how it is phrased in the improvised version. It says on the contrary blessed and happily favored by God are those who hear the word of God and continually observe it. So the point is you will be favored by God if you wisely refer back to his word.
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That could bring you life in times of trouble, in need of guidance, encouragement, comfort. And if you want to remain humble and still zealous, the text didn't say maybe.
Introducing the New Theme: Communication
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It didn't say probably. It said you will be favored by God. Now all of last year, if you elected to read God's Word and stored up in your jar, you know that one, God speaks.
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He speaks through your psyche.
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And that psyche needs to hear from your spirit daily. You also know that there's a battle between your flesh and spirit. And that's over your mind. Hence Romans chapter seven, verse 21 through 24. You can look at this in the NIV and it states. So I find this law at work.
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Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For my inner being, I delight in God's law, but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind, making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. Understanding these realities allow you to know that as a believer, when you decide to read God's word, you are doing yourself a huge favor by opening the door to be prevalent to what God has wrote down in biblical history as a reference in time well spent in God's presence and now you know all about it and how to maneuver.
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Remember Paul said, let us not be conformed to the paths of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our mind. Truth be told, the spirit loves to hear truth. The truth of the matter is, God sounds exactly like what he wrote, because in scripture we know that God and his word are at one. In the gospel of John chapter 10 verse 30, Jesus says, I am the father at one.
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for those who don't know Jesus has in many names and one of them is the word which became flesh and dwelt among his people all people so the thing for this year is something that you can use to build upon what you already know when it comes to scripture and if you've been filled or if you've been filling up your jar, here is where you find the challenge moving forward.
Scriptural Backing for Truthful Living
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The theme of the year is, as believers, we need to preference our approach and communication. Let me repeat that. The theme of this year is to preference our approach and communication. Now allow me to walk you through why this is the theme of the year.
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Let's get into so the scripture and allow God's word to direct us as to why this is so important moving forward and how applying it will be key as ambassadors and or representatives for God.
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The first book we started in our journey on this podcast was first drawn. So I want us to begin there. Remember, we are putting a puzzle together and allowing God's word to lead us and why the theme of the year.
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is so important and prevalent and why we should adhere to it. So let's begin with first john chapter one verses six to eight and we're going to read this in an english standard version and it says if we say we have fellowship with him and yet we walk in darkness we lie and do not practice the truth But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, cleanses us from all sin. Now, I've mentioned this text many times within reason, but I want to show you a logical way of seeing this.
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So interesting enough, in my LSAT prep, this gets mentioned often. In life, there are sufficient and necessary statements that are spoken by us each and every day. They are called if and then statements. These statements speak to our understanding that there's a sufficient and necessary agenda always at work.
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The scripture says, if we say we have fellowship with him and yet walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. So that is literally speaking out on both sides of your mouth.
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If we dive in biblically, here are some examples that are in the Bible that say this can't be logical. In fact, it would appear more as an oxymoron statement. 2 Corinthians 6, verse 14-16 English Standard Version will be our first example. Again, 2 Corinthians 6, verses 14-16 English Standard Version reads, Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Bell? Or what portion
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Does a believer share with an unbeliever? What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For example, second example, but James chapter 3 verse 11 through 12 English Standard Version. Again, the book of James chapter 3 verses 11 through 12 English Standard Version says, does a spring
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Does a spring pour forth from the same opening, both fresh and saltwater? Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water.
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Does a spring pour forth from the same opening, both fresh and salt water? Can a fig tree my brother's bare olives or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water.
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How about another text? Gospel of Matthew chapter six, verse 24. Gospel of Matthew chapter 6 verse 24 says, no one can serve two masses for either he will hate the one and love the other or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.
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Now, of course, there, there's a true statement that follows after this contradictory statement. And that is, or that would be if we walk in a light as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another and a blood of Jesus, his son cleanses us from all sin. So you have if and then statement, but there's a promise on the end of this one.
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no contradictory statement. So what's my point?
Being Doers of the Word
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For starters, we did an episode called, How You Carry Yourself Matters, episode 3. If you have it, you should check it out. The point of that episode was to tell all believers if you claim to be in a relationship with Jesus Christ, the way in which you carry yourself,
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matters why because god is light and light represents righteousness and if you are going to walk with god you must let your light shine before others so that they can glorify your father in heaven So what must we do in response to that? We must be doers and not sayers of the word, right? Let's go to the book of James chapter one, verse 22. And I'm gonna read this in the Amplified version, because I like the way it states it. I love the way it states it. It says, prove yourself doers of the word, actively and continually obeying God's precepts.
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Not merely listeners who hear the word but fail to internalize its meaning. Huh, so beautiful. Just to read it again. Prove yourselves doers of the word actively and continually obeying God's precepts. Not merely listeners who hear the word but fail to internalize its meaning.
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So if I say that I have a relationship with Jesus Christ, I can't talk about it. I have to be about it. What is one way I can really be about it? Well, I have to love God with all my hearts, my mind and soul and strength. And I have to love my neighbors as I love myself.
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Let's go into the additional command Jesus gave. Gospel of John chapter 13 verse 34 through 35. Again, Gospel of John verses 34 through 35 in the 13th chapter. We're going to look at this in the NLT. So now I am giving you a new command. Love each other.
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Just as I have
Love as a Sign of Discipleship
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loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.
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Your proof of love isn't just understood internal. It's also understood externally, as well by the world. The question becomes, how can I show this love to others? It starts with the theme of the year. As a believer, you need to preference your approach and communication. So let's unpack that a little bit more.
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by defining a couple of words. The first word that comes to mind is preference. Preference is a greater liking to one alternative over another. Preference is a greater liking to one alternative over another. So if I know in order to love someone, I need to be in the right frame of mind, then I know it's a choice of the matter that I need to act in. Remember to love,
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is an action. It also means to do something at the expense of oneself to benefit the one who is to receive it. Amen. Now there's the opposite of loving, and that's not loving someone. I'm sure with that comes a completely different frame of mind that I need to be in. So guess what? That must mean I would need to prefer one alternative over ah another.
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Let's define approach. A way of dealing with something. Approach a way of dealing with something. So in life, there are several approaches we all have in the way we deal with one another when it comes to something. You can go the positive route or the negative route.
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which is why is important that we define communication. Communication is that act of giving, receiving, and sharing information. Again, communication is defined as that act of giving, receiving, and sharing information. Now these three words are simple, but when you put them together in our way of expressing the way we think and feel,
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is powerful, right? Our approach, our preference of communication has the ability to change depending on what we allow to influence us.
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Again, our approach, our preference of communicating has the ability to change depending on what we allow to influence us. The truth of the matter is I want the word of God to shape my mind and how I communicate with others.
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If you remember, I started off by mentioning the importance of reading God's Word and how getting God's Word into your psyche is of importance. Then I mentioned how important it is to carry yourself. So if we put another piece of the puzzle together, we would have to go to 2 Corinthians 5, verse 20.
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So let's go there. Second Corinthians chapter five verse 20 NLT reads, we are crisis ambassadors.
Graceful and Godly Communication
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God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ. Will we plead?
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come back to God. The reason why the way that you carry yourself matters is if you are in relationship with Jesus Christ, you just can't be hearers of the Word. You must be doers of the Word. Keep in mind, people are watching, um observing, and listening.
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difference between watching and observing is watching is just paying attention to what's going on. Observing is analyzing what's going on. When you watch something you watch it on the approach of more of a scan, right? When you're observing, you're learning to apply. You're learning to apply.
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So there are two beautiful passages that I want to reference right now. First is Thessalonians chapter four verse 11 through 12 in the NLT. First Thessalonians four 11 through 12 says, make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working
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with your hands, just as we instructed you before, then people who are not believers will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others. The second passage is in Colossians 4.6, and we're going to read this out of the new American Standard Bible, the NASB, and it says,
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Your speech must always be with grace, powerful. Your speech must always be with grace as though seasoned with sort, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.
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Now the word sought there means prudence and that means godly wisdom, godly discernment, godly judgment. The truth of the matter is when you internalize God's word and make it a part of who you are, then the Holy Spirit can begin to minister to you personally on how to live those words that you read out. That you read out that on paper.
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You know, it was towards the end of last year that I began to notice that how you preference your approach in communication matters.
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when you're claiming to be in association, relationship, and your followers of Christ. I repeat that. It was towards the end of last year that I began to notice that how you preference your approach in communication matters, especially when you claim to be in relationship and fellowship and you're a follower of Christ.
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When we did episode 70, which is called Started in Discoveries Part Two, I reflected and saw something powerful in the book of Luke. Jesus prefaced his approach and his communication.
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Now you might be saying, how so? Well, here's the example. Let's go to the gospel of Luke chapter nine. And we're going to look at verses 51 to 56. And we're going to look at this through the new King James version. Now, it now it came to pass.
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Now it came to pass, when the time had come for him to be received up, that he steadfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem and send messages before his face. And as they went, they entered a village of the Sumerians to prepare for him. But they did not receive him because his face was set for journey to Jerusalem.
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And when the disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them just as Elijah did? But he turned and rebuked them and said, you do not know what matter spirit you are of.
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For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them, and they went to another village. Now remember after I read this passage, I sat back in silence. Because throughout history, in the name of God, people have made the gospel message hostile.
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They made it hostile. Now we know that the scriptures are confrontational, right? They're confrontational because in it is rooted in truth.
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But you have to understand that because the scriptures are are already confrontational on a personal level, I also realized that how you choose to share the good news of Jesus Christ matters.
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You have those who are Bible thumpers. You have those who utilize what Jesus has said to scare people into the faith. And unfortunately, that is not what we've been taught to do as believers. In fact, your approach and the way you choose to communicate requires wisdom and the right type of temperance. Again, your approach and the way you choose to communicate requires wisdom and the right amount of temperance.
00:23:25
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This is why Jesus rebuked John and James and responded by saying, for the Son of Man did not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them actually. The rebuke came out of love. Again, so you have harsh love and you have gentle love. You have harsh love and you have gentle love.
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So the rebuke came out of love, but also it was timely when they came because it opened up the door for correct and redirecting and ultimately ah adjusting the way their approach was.
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So that's what made it timely. And that timely portion of it came with the correction that was needed to move forward. You know, then I thought about first PETA 315, right? And I wondered if PETA was there.
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and heard this conversation and then made sure to address it in the way he wrote 1st Peter 3 15 right in his writing to the churches let's go to 1st Peter 3 15 and see how peter wrote it english standard version here and it says sanctify christ as lord in your hearts always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that you have that is in you but with gentleness and respect so I think do I think it's a coincidence no I don't think it's a coincidence I think
The Power of Forgiveness
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this was definitely reflected potentially at the conversation
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that Jesus had with Peter and of course with John. Very important verse here when it comes to your approach and how you communicate is actually can coincide with 1 John 1 verses 6 to 8. This is what we began with.
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Again, if you claim to be in a relationship with Jesus Christ, then how you carry yourself matters. That begins by not just talking about it, but being about it. Having love for your brothers and sisters. Naturally, you will preference your approach in communication.
00:26:05
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When you speak, you'll have grace. Your words will be seasoned with salt, knowing how to respond to each person. And I believe you would do this gently and respectfully by honoring what was suggested in the scriptures.
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It's amazing how all these verses fit. Fit in the sense that it's pointing to how you do something. It's never a matter of you doing it. It's always a matter of how you say it. I'm pretty sure a lot of us are familiar with that. You can say, hey, you better do this. And if you don't do this,
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This is what's going to happen as a verse to, Hey, it might behoove you to consider doing this because potentially this could happen if you don't take heed, right? Suggestions are very powerful and helpful. And over time, I believe the word of God that you store away in your jar.
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will and most definitely will become a part of your speech and how you win souls and how you carry yourselves. and i want to take it a step further and focus on our last impression on others when it comes to how we preference our approach and communication in the book of galatians chapter six verses one through two in the english standard version it says brothers and sisters if someone is caught in the sin you who live by the spirit should restore that person gentle
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But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens in this way, and you will fulfill the law of Christ. So I love verse one because it suggests that who you are living and walking in according with the Spirit should restore those who have sinned, gentle which means to repair and build them up, back up, needs to be done in love and in knowledge of your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
00:28:34
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In the book of 1 John chapter one verse nine, it says, if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us of our sins and purify us more on righteousness. So I believe a follower of Christ should be able to communicate that kindly while still empathizing with that person, but also remaining firm in the truth. If we preference our communication,
00:29:05
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and our approach.
Words: Building or Destroying?
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If we preference our approach and communication, of course, vice versa, right? Something else I thought about. I thought of Proverbs chapter 18 verse 21 which says, the tongue has the power of life and death and those who love it will eat of its fruits. Very powerful verse because when you think about it, the stakes are indeed high. Your words can either speak life or your words can speak death. Our tongue can build others up or they can tear them down.
00:29:45
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Let's build on that. Let's look at Genesis chapter 1, verse 26 through 27. And it says, God made human, kind in his image and likeness. So God determined that each person would carry the imago dei, which is the image of God. Unfortunately, this needs to be addressed. The way we have communicated and talked to one another,
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It seems as though we lost sight of that, even as believers. I'll say that one more time.
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The way in which we've communicated and talked to one another, it seems as though we lost sight of that, even as believers.
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The truth of the matter is we are supposed to love one another as Christ loved us. And yet we seem to have forgotten that the way we say things can be hurtful and can be an attack on a person's character. And that's an attack on the assassination of one another. That's why I read Provis 1821.
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This is a real problem and is one that we should not ignore and never overlook. When we look at the definition of love in 1 Corinthians 13 verses 4-8, I think it does an amazing job. I think Paul was definitely
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doing great work when he defined what love is and he broke it down so eloquently. He says love is patient, love is kind, it is not envy, it is not boast, it's not proud, it does not dishonor others, it is not self seeking.
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It's not easily angered. It keeps no records of wrong. Love does not delight in evil, but it rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always preserves. Love never fails. All of this is good.
00:32:03
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But I want to focus on patience, not being easily angered, dishonoring others, and keeping records of wrongs. Think about it. If everyone has the imago deo on them, we should not be dishonoring one another. That stinks of assassination to one's character. Being patient with people takes time. I get it. But guess what?
00:32:32
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In Galatians 6.9, NLT it says, let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time, we will reap a harvest of blessings if we don't give up. Based on this context, it speaks of sowing a seed, hoping that harvest will come. Here's something to think about. All seeds that you plant aren't always for you. Sometimes it's for the people you care about.
00:33:01
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that you have a soft spot for. But in order to see growth, results, productivity, change, it requires patience. It also requires consistency. That's why we don't give up. The blessing sometimes is seeing someone else get blessed and you're missed. It has happened to me And man, does it feel good to be a witness of God's miracles, working ability and presence in someone else's life. It really does. That is why in 1 Corinthians 3, 7 in the English Standard Version, it tells us, so neither he who plants nor he who orders is anything, but only God who gives the growth.
00:33:54
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The reason why you preference your approach in communication at all times is because the reason why you preference your communication at all times is because you never know who you are speaking to. All you know is that you may be planting a seed in their life as an ambassador and or a representative of Christ.
00:34:19
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This brings me to Isaiah 55 11 and the new King James version. And it says, so shall my words be that goes forth from my mouth. It shall not return to me void, but it shall accomplish what I please. And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it out. God can use us as anything.
00:34:51
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God can use us at any time and at any place. That is why we must stay ready. We must be ready to be instruments, tools for God's glory. Let me say this as we get back to addressing what love is, keeping records of wrongs is immature.
00:35:18
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Imagine if God held onto every word you've ever said Which he very well could because he's God There's a portion of scripture that does say you will give an account for every word that you have spoken of the Sun But scripture says that when you repent
00:35:44
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It is as if you never sinned because of Jesus Christ. Scripture says that when you repent, it is as if you never sinned because of Jesus Christ. This is why we need to forgive those who
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offend us because we offend God with our personal sin every day. Hold on to how a person offended you, never granting them grace and mercy, which is wrong. You can't do that. You have to find it in yourself to forgive them.
00:36:25
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This is why Jesus said forgive them seven times over which is 77 times over it and then some keep in mind if We claim to be in fellowship with God We are aware that God forgives us So what would it look like? We aren't forgiving those who offend us.
00:36:53
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I want to take you to a passage in Matthew chapter 18 verse 21 through 35. And it speaks so right along with what I've been saying. It says, then Peter came to him and asked, Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times? No, not seven times. Jesus replied, but 77.
00:37:19
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Therefore, the king of heaven can be compared to a king who decided to bring his account up to date with servants who had borrowed money from him. In the process, one of his debtors was brought in who owed him millions of dollars.
00:37:41
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He couldn't pay, so his master ordered that he be sold along with his wife, his children, and everything he owned to pay the debt. But the man fell down before his master and begged him, please be patient with me and I will pay it all. Then his master was filled with pity for him and he released him and forgave his debt. But when the man left the king,
00:38:07
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He went to a fellow servant who owed him a few thousand dollars. He grabbed them by the throat and demanded instant payment. His fellow servant fell down before him and begged for a little more time. Be patient with me, I will pay it, he pleaded. But his creditor wouldn't wait.
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He had the man arrested and put in prison until the debt could be paid in full. When some of the other servants saw this, they were very upset. They went to the king and told him everything that i had happened.
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Then the king called in the man he had forgave and said, you evil servant, I forgave you that tremendous debt, but you pleaded with me. Shouldn't you have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I have mercy on you? Then the angry king sent the man to prison to be tortured until he paid his entire debt. That's Verse 35 says, that's what my heavenly father will do if you refuse to forgive your brothers and sisters from your heart.
00:39:25
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Lastly, let's address being easily angered. Responding carefully and thoughtfully instead of reacting does go a long way. If we go to James, it tells us in chapter 1 verses 19 through 20, everyone should be quick to listen slow to speak and slow to become angry because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.
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We are building all of last year's theme with this the rest of your life, desire, make an effort to preference your approach and communication.
Closing Prayer & Final Thoughts
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How you say things is important because it will impact how someone receives it.
00:40:21
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And with that being said, we have ran into devotional time. Last year, we were told to fill up our jars because in the book of second Timothy chapter three verse 16, it says all scripture.
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is inspired by God and it's useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. This year we are told to consider preferencing our approach in communication because in province 1821 the tongue has the power of life and death and those who love it will eat of its fruit.
00:41:00
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The truth of the matter is the stakes are high. Your words can either speak life or your words can speak death. Our tongues can build others up or they can tear them down. So we end with this prayer. Lord, help me say the right things in the right fashion towards others. Allow your Holy Spirit to remain in me and remind me that we should love one another.
00:41:27
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because everyone was created in the image of God the Amago day. We say these things in Jesus name we pray. Amen and Amen and Happy New Year.