Tag: Laodicea

Are we too Pleasant to each other? (At times)

That may seem like an odd question to ask, after all aren’t we meant to be Loving to each other???

Loving yes, but does that also mean pleasant, kind and nice.
Hopefully the answer in general is yes, but are there times when we need to be, not quite so ….nice?

What does the bible say?
Does it advocate for us all to be pleasant to each other all the time, having the feelings of others as the most important thing at all times?
I do believe that the answer to that question is no.

The bible does say things like, “Spare the rod spoil the child”. It also talks about discipline not being pleasant but bearing fruit.
The other one that comes to mind is “Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline”, that last one is God talking to his Church at Laodicea.

When we think about the church at Laodicea, how often do we think, “I’m glad God isn’t saying that to me?
After all who wants to hear:
You say, “I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.” But you do not realise that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. Revelation 3 vs 17

These are Gods words!
Not very pleasant for the Church at Laodicea.
But he still said it.
The real question is why?

I have already given you the answer.
“Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline” Revelation 3 vs 19
He Loves Them.
He rebuke’s and disciplines those he loves.

He also gives the church at Laodicea the answer of how to do better.
I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so that you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so that you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so that you can see. Revelation 3 vs 18

God saw that the Church of Laodicea could do better than they were doing, but they couldn’t see it.
He needed to bring a harsh word in order to lift them up.
He brought a word that was tough, hard but necessary.
He was more concerned about there well being than their comfort.
After all he LOVES THEM.

He also Loves us.
Are we ready to hear a tough word when he brings one to us?
If he brings one it is only because he Loves us.
Are we ready to hear it though?

Are we ready to share a tough word with someone if God directs us to? (Important bit at the end there, if God directs us to.)

If we are given a tough word to share then hopefully he will give us the wisdom to do it in a loving manner.
We can always ask for help when it comes doing the hard things.
He is always there to help us, if we have a heart that is willing to be lead by him.
We just need to ask Him to guide and help us.

I quite often think that, we can be so much like the Church at Laodicea.
But I think that is a blog for another day.