During Labor Day weekend of 2020, I was out enjoying the fresh air with a friend in a park overlooking the bay.
It was a beautiful day, and people were out enjoying the weather—strolling leisurely, picnicking, jogging, riding bikes, reading on blankets in the grass, or simply relaxing on benches while taking in nature’s wonderful melody.
Sounds of joy filled the air as warm smiles appeared on faces.
Relaxation was evident and you could glean from the peacefulness of the park. It was quite transforming.
As my friend and I were conversing about various topics, I noticed a tree a few yards away near the water.This tree was unlike any of the surrounding trees. It was completely bare showing no buds, leaves, or fruit.
After taking a closer look, I realized the tree was dead.
From afar, it appeared healthy and stood upright as the other trees, yet it wasn’t bearing anything.
The importance of Right Relationships
When you notice an unusual pattern in your relationships, don’t just stare and wonder. Take a closer look and examine it fully.
This concept also applies to us as individuals according to 2 Corinthians 13:5-6.
“5 Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith. 6 As you test yourselves, I hope you will recognize that we have not failed the test of apostolic authority.”
There must be evidence and acknowledgement that Jesus Christ lives in you and within those with whom you share relationships.
If a tree is not properly rooted, it can become dangerous in any season whether it’s overcome by wind, rain, snow, or just sitting in the sun.
Similarly, if those you are in relationship with have not surrendered their lives to Jesus Christ, staying connected to them will become harmful.
As a believer, It’s commanded by God to speak up allowing the Holy Spirit to give you wisdom and strength.
Ephesians 5:11
“Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them.”
Galatians 6:1
“Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself.”
2 Peter 1: 10-11
“10 So, dear brothers and sisters, work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen. Do these things, and you will never fall away. 11 Then God will give you a grand entrance into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
Proverbs 27: 5
“An open rebuke is better than hidden love!”
Matthew 18:15
“If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back.”
Ezekiel 3:18-19
“18 If I warn the wicked, saying, ‘You are under the penalty of death,’ but you fail to deliver the warning, they will die in their sins. And I will hold you responsible for their deaths. 19 If you warn them and they refuse to repent and keep on sinning, they will die in their sins. But you will have saved yourself because you obeyed me.”
James 5:19-20
“19 My dear brothers and sisters, if someone among you wanders away from the truth and is brought back, 20 you can be sure that whoever brings the sinner back from wandering will save that person from death and bring about the forgiveness of many sins.”
Never forget…your voice is important and needed in this world.
You are wonderfully made and brilliantly complex in Him!
It’s time to release your sound!
May the Holy Spirit guide you along the beautiful paths of addressing the mess.
