I am thankful today, Father, for the many blessings in my life: family and friends, a good job [Kohl’s (at the time – now driving a school bus!) and a fulfilling vocation (ministry), many, many material things and a loving God who wants to spend time with me!
2 Timothy 3:3b (<<click here to read the passage)
“…slander…”
When I think of slander, Lord, it seems to go hand in hand with gossip. The older I get, the more these traits bother me. Soiling someone else’s reputation or sharing tidbits of truth with little embellishments of our own accomplishes no good. It is very tempting to want to hear (and spread) such maliciousness. Yes, we may be displeased with someone’s life choices or responses to things we hold dear that they disdain, but how does it help us or others to disdain them in response? No one is lifted up (except maybe our egos), no one is encouraged – nothing changes except the downward slide of our attitudes. Lord, especially amongst co-workers and family, may I not participate in such unfruitful behavior. It can be very difficult, but please help me to love others even if what they do hurts me or those I love and care about. Enable me to be the “salt and light” that You have called me to be (Matthew 5:13-16).
[Nov 27th, Fri, 2:43 am (Black Friday)]
Oct 31st, 2024, Tues, 8:15 pm
