I have heard Christians say that they want to witness silently with their lives. They want to live their testimony by being “salt and light” (Matthew 5: 14-16). There is a subtle message that we don’t need to witness with words if we “live it.” Certainly, we must witness with our lives, but we must also witness with words. I do not believe it is possible to be an effective witness without words. Therefore, we must speak up. Witnessing without using words is unrealistic. If we think otherwise, we are fooling ourselves. We must give a reason for the hope that is in us. (I Peter 3:15) We need to use words.

Primarily, we must give God the glory. Otherwise it is possible that people will notice our good works and ...

I can hear the Beatles song in my head, can't you? Well, if you're a little older perhaps you can. Since February is the month of love I thought I’d tackle the age-old question of what is love? Is it a feeling, a decision, a commitment, a “liver quiver.” What is it? All of us want to love and be loved. Love is built into us. We are made in God’s image and God is love (1 John 4:8).  Yet how will we know if it is love we’re experiencing? As I’ve researched the subject, I’ve come to the conclusion that there are three essential ingredients of love (see diagram). This is called the “Triangular Theory of Love” and was developed by Robert Sternberg. I think he’s on target ...

If I could pick one verse in the Bible to apply to my life it would be Ephesians 4:32. More than read it or memorize it, I want to live it to the point of where I become Ephesians 4:32. So what does this verse say? Here it is and then I’ll elaborate on the three B’s which should describe every believer:

“And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” (NASB)

1. Be Kind. First of all, this verse is telling me how I should treat others. It is other-centered. The first thing I’m to be is kind to others. What does that mean? In the Greek it means to treat others with “goodness or graciousness.” Do I treat others kindly? Kindness is a ...

What does it mean to “go along to get along?” It means setting aside your feelings, opinions, or values in order to keep the peace. The thinking is “this is what it takes to get along with this person.” Is “go along to get along” a good strategy in a relationship such as marriage? No. It ultimately leads to the person “going along” becoming resentful because their true feelings, opinions, or values are not being expressed, heard, or accepted. Instead they are always trying to keep the peace by giving in to their partner. If you think this is limited to marriages, it is not. Going along to get along is often the policy of people in business, government, church, and the media. Many Christians ...