Words That Are Truthful and Build Up

This past week the Nobel Prizes were announced. Albert Einstein spoke at Hendrik A. Lorentz’s funeral in 1928. He spoke of Lorentz’s “never failing kindness” and his love for others. Einstein said about his fellow physicist and Nobel Prize winner – “Lorentz devoted himself to the work of reconciliation.”

This story about Hendrik A. Lorentz and Albert Einstein made me think about the “church” today. There will always be conflict in the church but “we” in the church must work for peaceful solutions. Paul wrote, “Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.” (Ephesians 4:26) In verse 29, Paul says, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of our mouths, but only what is helpful in building others up according to their needs.”

Paul says we are to live differently from non-believers.  Ephesians 4:20-24 says “Our lives are to be holy – set apart and devoted to God.” How we forgive others is the defining virtue of the believers in Jesus. We are to forgive as God has forgiven us. The evidence that we’re forgiven by the Father is when we’re willing to forgive others. Matthew 18:21-35 says the forgiven believer in Jesus is a forgiving person.

Paul said, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4: 31-32) Einstein reminds us today that we are to be like Lorentz and devote ourselves to the work of reconciliation. We are to turn from conflict in the church and build up the church. When we do, we honor God!

Prayer – God, when I face conflict, remind me to turn my anger over to you. Amen.

Ephesians 4:26 – Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.

Author: Tommy Herndon
Photo: Dominic Sansotta, courtesy of Unsplash