Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Appearances Versus Intent, Part One

Hebrews 4:12 "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." 13 "Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with who we have to do."

Selah or stop and think it over. As I do, it lets me know that I must allow this scripture to check my appearances and intents. My actions, my words must be monitored by this scripture. If I speak love and I perform acts of love, is it for appearance or is the intent real? If I must speak correction and rebuke, is the intent love or revenge?

If we look at the words and recorded actions of Jesus and the Christians in the Bible, we see both love and rebuke. Yet I do not doubt that their intent was anything but a pure love and rebuke because of that love.
They loved, not fake actions for appearance sake and they rebuked to let people know of the danger to their souls, not for revenge.

Matthew 23:34-39 These are words in red, words of Jesus. He loved that rebellious generation enough to tell them, "I've sent Bible teachers, those with wisdom, messengers to you and you either killed them or thrashed them in your churches and troubled them from city to city." And He cried out "Oh, oh I sure wish I could have just gathered you and loved on you and hugged you. But instead I'm leaving you alone. And you won't see me anymore until you can bless those that come to you in my name, the name of the Lord."

His actions and words would appear harsh but he did it not for revenge. His intent is love.

2 comments:

  1. Beth Moore touched on this today. I was listening to 94.6 (I think that's it) and she was talking about "Faithful are the wounds of a friend". And how there is a difference in going to a friend in loving, knowing it will hurt them but the help them in Christ later on and that of going to a friend out of revenge. She also stated "Don't come to me and tell me something and then say 'I'm just joking' or 'You know me, I would never mean that.' Don't tell me and mess with me...tell me straight out so I can correct it!" I thought that was really good.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Stopping by for a read... Jesus told them like it was, didn't he? Yet it was all in love. It broke the heart of Jesus when they would not listen.

    ReplyDelete