Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29
Mike did a fantastic lesson tonight, getting us to go back to Acts 2:42-47 and being devoted to teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread and to prayer. It's amazing when you think about the different types of definition of devotion in the this passage, you think about staying with others of belief. We think immediately about relationships when you mention devotion, but really there are so many different layers to it, that it was dizzying.
That's when he scaled back to fellowship and friendship. Devotion is still intense on the friendship level, not to be taken lightly. For tonight he kept it simple to four characteristics of spiritual friendship. Loyalty, it is in the one-on-one times. Submissiveness/humility, putting your friends needs above yours. Sacrifice, because Jesus did before he knew us. Honesty, making sure it good for building one another up.
I fly the flag of I'm-just-keeping-it-real, when I say things that are not encouraging. Many brothers and sisters have told me to actually censor my words. Herve lead our singles Discipleship group and has shared this scripture to us numerous of times. I can remember co-leaders sitting me down to tell me how I hurt the sisters in our Bible Talk, by what I said.
Mike brought it to light, in such a different way. Jesus shared the truth to others, but in a loving manner. We have to keep in mind the only truth to share with one another is the Bible. I love the fact he is from the time when you had a Bible out in fellowship. I know five or six years ago, this was not the case. On occasion some one who was a Bible know it all would share something they thought was cool, otherwise it was talking and fun chatter.
I know I have to get better at this, and it will take some time for me to share my faith with the body and family of believers. I know the biggest key is to get more than consistent with my quiet times, it is to get in there and be a student of Jesus. I need to get more committed to be a Disciple who doesn't just know what the Bible says, but to keep it real to myself and burrow deeper into the Sword of Truth.
