Let all that you do be done in love, wrote the apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians. One who has no love for the Lord is accursed, he said. Last, he transmits his love to all of his brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus. He had said earlier that love for God causes one to be […]
Continue readingTag: O Soul
Exhortations to self and to all who acknowledge within them the soul destined for eternity.
Restart
You can do a restart in your mind or heart at any time. It might be the beginning of a new year, week, or day. It might be in the afternoon, after a bad morning. It might be at the top of the hour. Nothing requires you to wait to reorganize your thoughts or to […]
Continue readingLimits of life and of the Spirit
Respect the limits of life and of the Spirit, O Soul. Some things you can do for other people, but some things they must do for themselves. Each one must carry his own burden. You must carry your own burden as well. No one owes anyone a free lunch. You must develop your own faith. […]
Continue readingFish out of water
A fish out of water. That is what you will often feel like, O Soul, as you engage people in the world and live among them. How must Jesus have felt among publicans and prostitutes? Be sure you never become accustomed to worldly ways and thoughts. Remember always your purpose in being among them. You […]
Continue readingThe same lesson a hundred times
The work of evangelism and edification means that your teaching usually will be on a simple level. You may miss digging deeper into the Word of God. You might even be tempted to pursue rather involved discussions of the academics. And while going beyond the basic teachings is necessary for your spiritual growth, you must […]
Continue readingNever enough
Never think you’ve done enough or worked long enough to have reached a point of rest or retirement. Such thinking belies the grace of God. “Enough” is for the one who believes that merit attaches to effort. The goodness of God does not cease. The war for your soul and for the souls of others […]
Continue readingIn every word and act
O Soul, in every word and act, offer hope. Show love. Build faith. Point the way. Promote peace. Tell the truth. Put away harshness and bitterness. Exercise patience. Avoid dead-end discussions and pointless debates. You must try the spirits, test all teachings, expose error, and stop the mouths of those who lead others astray, but […]
Continue readingFind meaning in pain
Pain is a part of life. Most everyone deals with it, in one form or another, most every day. Physical pain tends to be more obvious than other forms. Sickness, disease, accidents, harm caused by others, are some sources of physical pain. Then there is mental and emotional pain. People suffer in so many ways. […]
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