Without Offence

I greet you in Jesus’ precious name! It is Friday morning, the 14th of October 2022, and this is your friend, Angus Buchan, with a thought for today.

“A soft answer turns away wrath,
But a harsh word stirs up anger.”
Proverbs 15:1

When Paul had to give an account of himself, he says in Acts 24:16: 

“I myself always strive to have a conscience without offence toward God and men.”

Folks, we need to watch what we say. We need to be respectful to one another if we are going to be ambassadors for Jesus Christ.

“And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient,…” 
2 Timothy 2:24

We really need to watch how we speak. People are so stressed out in these days in which we are living and just a loose word, not even sometimes meant intentionally, can literally destroy someone. You know, I love to go into my office in the morning, and say, “Good morning ladies, you are looking so smart,” I just love that big smile that comes over their faces. “Thank you, Uncle Angus. You are looking smart as well!”, I don’t know if that is always the truth but we need to encourage one another. We need to bring a nice, gentle word in season, because if we don’t it can destroy people. You know the old adage, “If you have nothing good to say about someone, then don’t say anything at all!”

St Augustine’s said of his mother, Monica, “She would never repeat what another said unless it would help. So, if you have nothing good to say, don’t say anything but rather encourage one another." I want to tell you, as a boxer in my time - not very successful of course, one thing we learnt very, very early in training is that when you get into the ring and you start the fight, the boxer who loses his temper in the ring always loses because he cannot even think straight. Boxing is a sport and it is something you need to think about.  

Now, when you are dealing with somebody whether it be a business deal or a personal issue in the family, do not be offensive. Rather be kind and loving and keep your words short.

Jesus bless you and have a wonderful day.
Goodbye.