Efficacious and Edifying Witness

This about says it all, and honestly where we can hope to discern our own thoughts and actions, as well as the thoughts and actions of others.... I mean, it stands to reason that a heart for Yeshua, acts and talks like they believe to visceral application what He showed and died for, eh? Seeing Christ in ourselves and others is such an efficacious and edifying witness.

So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.
Colossians 3:12‭-‬17 NASB
https://bible.com/bible/100/col.3.12-17.NASB

I went to study what it says about admonishments and how they are to be delivered.

Bible's Gateway definition...

A loving attempt to correct another’s attitude or behaviour. Christians are to admonish fellow believers.

How do we do this...with the word, with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. We see in the text just before we see anything about teach and admonish that we are to have a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another. We see that mercy is the cornerstone of who He is and what He expects from us. So they don't go out the window when we admonish, otherwise we are in our flesh, basically pushing self righteous agenda. Lol@ me, because that seems to be my agenda right here, huh? I guess it is something I look at a lot, but it does seem important to Him that we consider all that He says when it comes to the heart and mind of a matter. More accurately said, everything about Him calls us to reach deeper into our hearts for Him.

Great post, I struggle with this part. On one hand we are to correct someones attitude or behavior in a loving way. Yet, at the same time scripture tells me to take care of my own sin first. A dichotomy of sorts. Any suggestions?

hello homewardbound, thanks for reading. What a good question. I think it points to why we need to be gentle in our approach, remaining humble, because we too are a work in His progress. We should pray about it, chk ourselves about it, and make sure we are not being hypocrites. You know, I have often wondered this. Homeward, what are your thoughts?

It sure seems to be a tightrope. I guess for me it comes down to motive. Do I want to speak because I want to help keep a brother from sin, or is it that I want to rub his nose in it?
Be that as it is, I also must be sure I am there with them, to pray and help them along.