(02.18.11--Speaking Frankly!--James 5:16)
May I ask you a question? Similarly, when it comes to sharing the truth with someone but you lack the courage to try, perhaps you’re using the wrong recipe?
My friend, Life’s a story, welcome to This Passing Day.
I'm M. Clifford Brunner.
I enjoy making soup and have made several over the years that were pretty delicious. But one thing about soup making that I've found to be key is ingredients are one thing but preparation is just as important. Even the best of ingredients won't make a good soup unless you prepare them well. It’s been cold here at Beech Springs and that sparked me to make a soup that I don’t often make–Beef Vegetable. It often turns out a bit greasy, so I’ve seldom made it. This year, however, I found a recipe that made all the difference in the world. It called for the same ingredients that I’ve used in the past. Instead of boiling the meat in a broth and then adding the vegetables, seasoning and the noodles, this recipe called for browning the meat in seasonings and then baking it in a broth; same ingredients, but in the end, a better taste and less grease. Preparation made the difference. The process of making the soup, its sequence of browning, baking and then combining gave me the taste I wanted and I felt qualified to make that soup again.
Similarly, when it comes to sharing the truth with someone but you lack the courage to try, perhaps you’re using the wrong recipe?
Here's a story: In the washroom of his London club, British newspaper publisher Lord Beverbrook happened to meet Edward Heath, then a young member of Parliament, about whom Beverbrook had printed a very insulting editorial a few days earlier. The editorial was scathing and when brought to the attention of Heath, the younger Heath was furious. "My dear chap," said the publisher, embarrassed by the encounter as he approached Heath and apologetically held out a hand of regret. "I've been thinking it over, that editorial was unfair and extreme. I was wrong to publish it. Here and now, I wish to apologize Mr. Heath." "Very well," grunted Heath. "But the next time you feel the need to insult me that way, I wish you'd insult me in the washroom and apologize in your newspaper." (Today in the Word)
How we convey the truth is just as important as making the decision to do it. The ingredients are, rightly, honesty and a forgiving heart. But did you know that when we start with the honest hard truth, despite the fact that we follow it up with forgiveness, the result might not be as comforting or successful as we had hoped for. The Apostle James writes that we ought to “confess our sins to one another” (James 5:16). The ingredients of honesty and forgiveness are correct. But, if you want the best flavor of love and understanding, try using this recipe–brown and bake with forgiveness, add honesty and serve. Start with your own faults and let the rest follow. Trust me; you’ll feel better qualified to tell the truth over and over again.
We pray. Heavenly Father, You have taught us that when we start with the honest hard truth, despite the fact that we follow it up with forgiveness, the result might not be as comforting or successful as we had hoped for. Your Word tells us that we ought to “confess our sins to one another” (James 5:16). The ingredients of honesty and forgiveness are correct. But it seems Lord, if you want the best flavor of love and understanding, try using this recipe–brown and bake with forgiveness, add honesty and serve. Move us to start with your own faults and let the rest follow. What a blessing Lord; we’ll feel better qualified to tell the truth over and over again. In Jesus name we pray. Amen!
Therefore my friend, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry for itself; each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matt 6:34) This Passing Day. May this passing day honor our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and be a blessing to you and everyone you meet. Find a stranger and say hello. Don't let another day pass without your day blessing someone else.
If you have a special prayer request, please send your request to ”This Passing Day!”
<thispassingday@gmail.com> From Beech Springs, God bless you for Jesus sake.
