keeping cool

and I'm not talking about turning on the AC! 

{I know it's been a while since I said, Hi! I trust and pray anyone still visiting is doing well!}

Sometimes, I feel like Anne Shirley: "if only you knew all I wanted to say and didn't maybe you'd give me little credit." {smiles} But there are seriously times I know the only way I can remain quiet is because the Lord puts a stopper on my tongue. But that does not mean my "cool" is under control!

...that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;  but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things... Ephesians 4:14,15

"what did you say?"

We must always speak the truth! but this verse also tells us to speak "in love." This is a wonderful principle to hold fast to, as I have found that when the truth is spoken in haste, without love, it does so much more damage then not speaking at all. This seems to hold true in all situations. 

When correcting my children it is necessary, on many occasions, for me to take a moment and find that love from Christ before speaking. Otherwise I will speak words I should not or with a tone that is not appropriate. I will not grow into Him in all things if I speak harshly.

When telling others of Jesus' love for them, I cannot get huffy or defensive when I am attacked-and truly, it is not ME they are attacking or questioning. It is Jesus Himself. This ought to invoke our pity, not our wrath. I will be as a child, tossed and carried about by the devil's craftiness, if I get defensive and prickly about another questioning the gospel.

{love this face!}

Have you ever been corrected? Who hasn't??!! Even now, as a "mature" adult person [LOL] when another points out a fault or wrongdoing, my reaction [always my own responsibility! {Romans 14:12}] is greatly based on their attitude.

If I am approached in love, I will be less likely to respond childishly. If I do not perceive a loving spirit {KEY: they must realize you are speaking in love!}, I often do respond in a less mature manner [read: get defensive and prickly]. How much MORE defensive do you think an unsaved person or immature Christian would be if we do not approach them in love?

This truth is also relevant when people say unkind or untrue things about us or our family! When we find out, do we respond with the truth IN LOVE? or do we lash out in defensive anger? Being upset about lies is not wrong. Being sad about unkindness is not wrong. But we must respond IN LOVE when speaking the truth to combat the unkindness or untruth! So, when I realize that I cannot respond in love, I often [should be ALWAYS!} simply do not say anything at all.

Our children learn how to initiate and respond from watching us. Whether we are interacting with our spouse, one of their siblings or an adult friend, they see and comprehend so much more than you think.

Let us "KEEP our COOL" and ask the Lord to set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips. Psalm 141:3, because ...there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether. Psalm 139:4.