Build a Bridge to a Clear Conscience

It's difficult to comprehend the influence that our language and behaviors ultimately have on others and ourselves. To accept that every word spoken has some lasting positive or negative affect is an awesome responsibility to shoulder. Is it correct to say we haven’t given much time to reflect on this truth?

Listen to the words of Jesus from Matthew 12: “For out of the heart the mouth speaks. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, while the evil man brings out the evil stored up in him. But I tell you this: you will give an account on the Day of Judgement for every careless, thoughtless word you have spoken."

Here’s the Good News. You store up good in your heart by permitting Jesus to transform you into a person with a clean heart. This builds a bridge to a clear conscience for standing before God, whom you will face in eternity. What better objective is there than the desire to possess a clean heart?       

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The goal of this instruction is love that flows from a pure heart, from a clear conscience, and from a sincere faith.

~1 Timothy 1:5 International Standard Version

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Forgiveness, Love, Healing – Amazing!

 When you hear the word forgiveness, what comes to mind? It could be an image of uncontrolled anger being levied against you by someone who hates you. I've often thought how unlike Jesus we are – Jesus, who could look down from the cross and ask His heavenly Father to forgive those determined to kill him. 

A Catholic priest was arrested by the German SS during World War II for hiding allied soldiers. He looked his executioners in the eyes and told them he forgave them for the torture and death they were about to inflict upon him. Perhaps forgiveness is difficult because we think we must love those who have hurt us and consequently forgive them immediately.

Because true healing progresses slowly, the desire to forgive may also progress slowly. As forgiveness becomes a reality, you should be able to lay aside grudges and demands for punishment. Now spiritual healing has freedom to move forward. So “trust in the Lord with all your heart. Never rely on what you think you know.” Permit God to heal you.  

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God doesn’t want us to be shy with his gifts, but bold, and loving, and sensible.

~2 Timothy 1:7 The Message

Now change your mind and attitude to God and turn to him so he can cleanse away your sins and send you wonderful times of refreshment from the presence of the Lord.

~Acts 3:19 The Living Bible