Pastor John,
This is what I heard from the Spirit this morning:
When you are speaking to someone, “why” are you saying the things that you are saying? What are you hoping to accomplish with your words? Are you accomplishing or provoking righteousness with your talk, or is it something that someone will have to get over, to get back to the power and liberty and glory of God? If it is the latter, we would do well to abstain from speaking.
This morning, brother John, something happened to me at work, that was unpleasant. It was substantial enough that I considered telling my wife, but then I realized it would accomplish nothing at all, and would certainly provoke a feeling in her that she would have to get over, to get happy again. For what good?
Years ago, I heard the Spirit ask this question: If you are not bringing out the best in God’s people, than what are you bringing out of them?
It is a serious question. Jesus takes it serious. We have a duty, one to another, to provoke one another to righteousness. It is easy to do, the joy of the Lord accomplishes it in abundance.
Just some thoughts.
Thanks.
Jerry