“Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but indeed and truth. We will know by this that we are of the truth, and will assure our heart before Him in whatever our heart condemns us; for God is greater than our heart and knows all things. Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God; and whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do the things that are pleasing in His sight. The one who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him.” John. 3:18–24
Yesterday’s Daily Devotional about loving with an honest heart spoke very specifically to me. I recently felt “wronged” by another and instead of reacting without God in mind, as I have done on many occasions before, something in my heart made me pause and take stock. It was Him.
I was reminded of the above scripture passage from John’s Gospel. I believe that love is not only shown in kind words or actions, but sometimes in silence. Opting to silence harsh words before they are spoken, avoiding feeling regretful or ashamed at our behaviors after the fact. I am stubborn by nature, and can be very sharp tongued at times. During my ongoing spiritual journey and the development of my own special relationship with God, I am learning to be submissive to His ways and bite my tongue. I try my best to kick the devil out of the way and put my suit of armor on that God so graciously provides me with at the most opportune times it seems.
I ask myself three things now before I speak….
1. Is it hurtful?
2. Is it true?
3. Is it necessary?
Once I go through this process, I find myself speaking less and less, and when I actually do speak, it is with love, kindness, a purer heart, more understanding, and not with ill will. I’m not always successful and at times I do falter. But I never give up trying.
What a glorious God we have that loves us all unconditionally, even with all of our imperfections and flaws. He knows our hearts and the love within. He fills all of our hearts with love, even when we don’t love others or ourselves at times. And what a blessing it is to have the freedom in the workplace to receive daily affirmation of and be fortified with His word, His works and His love.
Amen, Amen, Amen, Peace and blessings.
Stacey Wright
Payroll Specialist
Signature HealthCARE