A tender answer turns away rage, but a prickly reply spikes anger. (Proverbs 15:1 VOICE) It was John F. Kennedy who said, "We must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." The words we live by are more than words - they are a testimony to the grace and love of God within us, or the selfishness and pride that wells up when a soul isn't serving Christ. The more we live by truth instead of just speaking it, the more we will see the lives of those around us impacted by the 'words we live'. John Maxwell reminds us, "People may hear your words, but they feel your attitude." This is never truer than when we display an unkind or selfish attitude. The words might be 'kind' or 'understanding', but if the attitude behind them is sarcastic, they can be viewed as unkind. Sarcasm is often used because someone wants to be funny, but it can also become a weapon that brings hurt to the heart of one hearing ...
So, my friends, Jesus by His blood gives us courage to enter the most holy place... Since we have a great High Priest who presides over the house of God, let us draw near with true hearts full of faith, with hearts rinsed clean of any evil conscience, and with bodies cleansed with pure water. Let us hold strong to the confession of our hope, never wavering, since the One who promised it to us is faithful. Let us consider how to inspire each other to greater love and to righteous deeds, not forgetting to gather as a community, as some have forgotten, but encouraging each other, especially as the day of His return approaches. (Hebrews 10:19-25 VOICE) If you lack courage to face a holy God, you can find it in the person of Jesus. He made it possible for sinners like you and me to approach the throne room of God with boldness and assurance. Hearst rinsed clean of our evil, bodies clean, minds renewed. This is the work of Christ within each of us - allowing us to be strong, courageous over...