1 Corinthians 14:20 Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice ye be children, but in understanding men.
Never were truer words spoken Friends! We are past masters of the art of bearing malice, but lack the necessary Christian virtue of understanding; of listening, of turning the other cheek, of forgiveness, of empathy, and nowadays, even of simple sympathy. Bruh Paul was talking about speaking in tongues versus prophesying. He claims that talking in tongues has its purpose, but if the ones you’re talking to can’t understand the language, then it’s useless. Educating the people should be the objective, not a display of one’s language skills. ‘I thank God I speak with tongues more than ye all. Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice, I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.’ (vs.18-19) Then he went on to tell them Today’s Bit. But, as the intro indicates, I want to slant Bruh Paul’s idea a bit, and focus on the holding of malice in our hearts against each other. Jesus said we must become child-like to get into heaven, and the greatest in heaven were like humble children, and the kingdom of heaven is made up people like children. That means we need things like trust and faith, obedience, simplicity and humility to enter heaven. But when it comes to understanding and all it’s various aspects, ‘be not children.’ We ought to acquit ourselves like men; in a grown up, adult, mature manner, using the Christian principles laid out for us by Jesus. And Friends, malice, hatred, bad mind and all their negative associates certainly aren’t included in that portfolio. Ah people, it not only amazes, but saddens me tremendously to see the way we hold malice, anger, bitterness, whatever, towards others. Not only unbelievers, but believers too. Some believers can really hold malice yes! And unfortunately, as our world becomes more selfish and sinful, that angst, that hardening of the heart seems to be increasing. Our world is so full of bitterness, anger and hatred that it just boggles the imagination. I’m bewildered when I see people who thrive on that negative trip. Me, I get physically sick if I hold anger in my soul for any length of time. I always told my children that hate and its derivatives are like acid in a plastic bottle. The acid eats away the container. Exactly what those negative emotions do to our soul; destroy it, while the ones we bear the ill will against continue living their lives with no problems. Oftimes unaware that you’re holding them up negatively in your heart. And if they do, they most likely don’t care. So it’s only you, the bearer of the negative feelings that suffers. Now Friends, that isn’t too smart, is it? As Bruh Paul wrote to the Romans. ‘For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.’ (Rom.16:19) And Peter gives the best remedy for our negativity people. ‘Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings. As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.’ (1Pet.2:1-2) Yes Friends, we need to study the Word. It’s the only way we’ll live Christ’s principles. Much LOVE!…true believers need to…read and inwardly digest the word…then put it into action…
Never were truer words spoken Friends! We are past masters of the art of bearing malice, but lack the necessary Christian virtue of understanding; of listening, of turning the other cheek, of forgiveness, of empathy, and nowadays, even of simple sympathy. Bruh Paul was talking about speaking in tongues versus prophesying. He claims that talking in tongues has its purpose, but if the ones you’re talking to can’t understand the language, then it’s useless. Educating the people should be the objective, not a display of one’s language skills. ‘I thank God I speak with tongues more than ye all. Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice, I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.’ (vs.18-19) Then he went on to tell them Today’s Bit. But, as the intro indicates, I want to slant Bruh Paul’s idea a bit, and focus on the holding of malice in our hearts against each other. Jesus said we must become child-like to get into heaven, and the greatest in heaven were like humble children, and the kingdom of heaven is made up people like children. That means we need things like trust and faith, obedience, simplicity and humility to enter heaven. But when it comes to understanding and all it’s various aspects, ‘be not children.’ We ought to acquit ourselves like men; in a grown up, adult, mature manner, using the Christian principles laid out for us by Jesus. And Friends, malice, hatred, bad mind and all their negative associates certainly aren’t included in that portfolio. Ah people, it not only amazes, but saddens me tremendously to see the way we hold malice, anger, bitterness, whatever, towards others. Not only unbelievers, but believers too. Some believers can really hold malice yes! And unfortunately, as our world becomes more selfish and sinful, that angst, that hardening of the heart seems to be increasing. Our world is so full of bitterness, anger and hatred that it just boggles the imagination. I’m bewildered when I see people who thrive on that negative trip. Me, I get physically sick if I hold anger in my soul for any length of time. I always told my children that hate and its derivatives are like acid in a plastic bottle. The acid eats away the container. Exactly what those negative emotions do to our soul; destroy it, while the ones we bear the ill will against continue living their lives with no problems. Oftimes unaware that you’re holding them up negatively in your heart. And if they do, they most likely don’t care. So it’s only you, the bearer of the negative feelings that suffers. Now Friends, that isn’t too smart, is it? As Bruh Paul wrote to the Romans. ‘For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.’ (Rom.16:19) And Peter gives the best remedy for our negativity people. ‘Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings. As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.’ (1Pet.2:1-2) Yes Friends, we need to study the Word. It’s the only way we’ll live Christ’s principles. Much LOVE!…true believers need to…read and inwardly digest the word…then put it into action…
SCRIP-BITS 