I have lately been really challenged by a passage in Hebrews 10 which says:
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
(Hebrews 10: 24)
As a result of this, I have been looking for ways in which I can bless my friends in order that they may be spurred on toward love and good deeds. I can encourage them by being there, listening, and praying for my friends. The sky's the limit when it comes to how I can bless people!
And yet last week I messed up and I did not live out this truth. My pride was stung by something pretty small and insignificant and I overreacted by saying something sarcastic to a friend. It wasn't major, but it was hurtful, and I knew that. My sarcasm can be pretty brutal sometimes. On the one hand, I can use it to joke around and have fun with friends - and I can actually use it to build people up. But those rare occasions when I bring it out with different motives in my heart are the worst. It can be pretty destructive!
It was a real eye-opener how my stung pride can really be rather harmful. Thankfully, my friend is big enough to forgive me when I have these Murray moments of madness. In this whole scenario, I certainly was not spurring the individual on to love and good deeds. I was instead creating a rift and animosity - I was breaking down love and good deeds.
It's time to get back on track and spur one another on towards love and good deeds!
