MY NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS
Instead of making one or more resolutions today, I’ve decided to make one each month. Each one will be based on a Scripture that the Lord keeps holding up in front of me and saying “Adele, don’t forget. This is my Word of instruction”. Okay, Lord.
MY JANUARY SCRIPTURE RESOLUTION IS EPHESIANS 4:29
“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”.
It occurred to me this morning that “unwholesome talk” may not just mean cursing, but criticisms as well. When has criticism toward you ever “built you up”? Having gone through art classes in college, and art school, (and some workshops), I’ve had to endure criticism of my art, and I hated it. Once a teacher told us to line up all our day’s paintings so he could critique them. Mine was SO awful I decided not to put it in the line-up. If he noticed he never said so. I was relieved but will never forget how afraid I was to be criticized.
Yes, I know I, may be overly sensitive, but so is my Abby Cat and I think she is wonderful. David often says Abby Cat and I are just alike. (Oh yeah, and he’s just like Tomboy Cat….all boy! So there!)
Back to my resolution: I’ve learned that the more I love someone, the less I find fault with them. OOO! That is convicting.
What is your resolution? Or resolutions?
‘Til He Shouts!
Letters From Adele 
A wonderful book on this subject is Mary Kassian’s Bible study book, Conversation Peace. Makes me want to look at it again.
Thanks for the information, Julie. I’ll take a look. Julie, I just ordered the book. Thanks again.
This is a wonderful idea – monthly scripture resolutions! I love the scripture for this month’s resolution! And I absolutely love the last part of your blog – “the more you love someone, the less you find fault with them” – so very true!! Happy New Year, my friend! xoxo
Thank you, Sheila. Isn’t it amazing how utterly forgiving we can be with those we love? That is the way our Lord treats us, and I suspect He expects us to view others the very same way…..whether we think we “love” them or not. Our Lord loves with a divine love; ours is flawed but nevertheless His Holy Spirit gives us the power to love others, if we so choose.
At the funeral of Dr. Owen Robbins, a wonderful Christian, his son said that he’d never in his entire life heard his father utter a single negative or unkind word about anyone. What a remarkable legacy!
Yes, a remarkable legacy, indeed. And I’m sure Dr. Robbin’s life was all the more blessed because of his commitment to be positive. Thanks.
None of us like criticism but it seems easy to dish it out on others. Ephesians 4:29 should be at fore front of our thoughts constantly, however sometimes we don’t pay attention to what God clearly reminds us of. Like your monthly resolution idea.
Thanks, Kathy. If I meditate on Eph. 4:29 during an entire month, perhaps it will become part of how I think and act. It sounds a little silly, but recently we watched a new version of “Pollyanna” and I was impressed again with her “glad game”. I think we are capable of being in control of how and what we think about any situation; we can be glad, or we can complain. Our choice.
I hadn’t decided on one as of yet, other than the typical lose 20 lbs . I like the one you have come up with though. Please keep me posted on what scripture you will focus on each month. It’s definitely convicting.
I love you
I will, Karen. As they say, it usually takes 30 days to develop a habit. Maybe taking one Scripture and dwelling on it for a month, will help me learn it and obey it.
Love you, too.