Speak well of others...

As Christians, we are implored to not speak ill of others. " A man who bears false witness against his neighbor is like a club, a sword, and a sharp arrow." Proverbs 25:18. For some reason, this seems an impossible feat to most people (women more so, but I've heard men do it too). I will admit that in my younger days and up until about 6 months ago I was rarin' to go anytime someone brought up the faults of others. Looking back I can honestly say that it made me feel better that someone else was miserable. Sadistic? Slightly...

I think we all have a natural tendency to focus on the negative aspects of things and people. How often are you inclined to dish out a compliment rather than focus on the humongous zit on their forehead or the 10 pounds they might have gained? As Christians, we would be hypocrites if we said the first negative thing that came to mind about someone and then went to church on Sunday and sang the Lord's praises. Isn't that a bit counter-productive? Once I realized that being a Christian wasnt just about going to church, it was about trying to emulate Jesus and get back to His kingdom, it seemed to make it easier to see how nice Sister so-and-so did her hair that day instead of focusing on why she couldnt keep her kids quiet in Sacrament Meeting.

While studying, I found this quote from Johnathon Edwards on "A Wise Woman Builds her Home" blog http://proverbs14verse1.blogspot.com/ (also linked at the right) which says everything I was looking for. Please take it to heart!!!

"Proud people tend to speak of other's sins, the miserable delusion of hypocrites, the deadness of some saints with bitterness, or the opposition to holiness of many believers. Pure Christian humility, however, is silent about the sins of others, or speaks of them with grief and pity. The spiritually proud person finds fault with other saints for their lack of progress in grace, while the humble Christian sees so much evil in his own heart, and is so concerned about it, that he is not apt to be very busy with other hearts. He complains most of himself and his own spiritual coldness and readily hopes that most everybody has more love and thankfulness to God than he.""One under the influence of spiritual pride is more apt to instruct others than to ask questions. Such a person naturally puts on the airs of a master. The eminently humble Christian thinks he needs help from everybody, whereas the spiritually proud person thinks everybody needs his help. Christian humility, under a sense of others’ misery, entreats and beseeches, but spiritual pride commands and warns with authority."-Jonathan Edwards- Spiritual Pride

The Focus of Faith

I read this in this months Ensign, and had to share. It puts it in great context.

THE FOCUS OF OUR FAITH

We know not all that lies ahead of us. We live in a world of uncertainty. For some, there will be great accomplishment. For others, disappointment. For some, much of rejoicing and gladness, good health, and gracious living. For others, perhaps sickness and a measure of sorrow. We do not know. But one thing we do know. Like the Polar Star in the heavens, regardless of what the future holds, there stands the Redeemer of the world, the Son of God, certain and sure as the anchor of our immortal lives. He is the rock of our salvation, our strength, our comfort, the very focus of our faith.
In sunshine and in shadow we look to Him, and He is there to assure and smile upon us.
He is the central focus of our worship. He is the Son of the living God, the Firstborn of the Father, the Only Begotten in the flesh. He is “risen from the dead, … the firstfruits of them that slept” (1 Corinthians 15:20). He is the Lord who shall come again “to reign on the earth over his people” (D&C 76:63; see also Micah 4:7; Revelation 11:15).
None so great has ever walked the earth. None other has made a comparable sacrifice or granted a comparable blessing. He is the Savior and the Redeemer of the world. I believe in Him. I declare His divinity without equivocation or compromise. I love Him. I speak the name of Jesus Christ in reverence and wonder. He is our King, our Lord, our Master, the living Christ, who stands on the right hand of His Father. He lives! He lives, resplendent and wonderful, the living Son of the living God.
He Is Risen, by Greg K. Olsen; border © Dover Publications