"If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal."
-1 Corinthians 13:1
When I was growing up in West Texas, we had this little saying: "Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's almost impossible and it's very frustrating to the pig." I think that's a good little saying to keep in mind.
People don't want to live in relationships where they're constantly criticized, challenged, and begged to change.
First Corinthians 13:7 says, "Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." And so we have to ask a question: Do we want to correct this person or do we want to connect with this person?
When we're in the business of correction, we've pretty much destroyed the ability for connection.
Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to see others through your eyes of love and grace. Help me not to criticize and challenge others, but to encourage others as you encourage me every minute of every day. Amen.
Devotion: Is there one person in particular that you find yourself criticizing and challenging? Next time you speak with that person, what is one thing you can say in love that would be of encouragement?
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