"Therefore, each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 'In your anger, do not sin:' Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold." (Ephesians 4:25-27) When someone genuinely wrongs you, and the issue is important enough to address - speak up!

I find it very hard to confront a wrong when I anticipate an angry response, and usually want to avoid conflict. Choosing this path, though, can lead to more problems: the build-up of bitterness and resentment; loss of the ability to work together for the cause of Christ; greater conflict as pent-up emotions erupt, or growing alienation as emotions stay hidden; and the breakdown of relationship, potentially leading to its end. All of these interfere with our ability to serve God well, and experience a life full of rich relationships.

Make it a mission to love, as love is the preserver of unity - the glue that holds us together as a spiritual family. "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." (Colossians 3:12-14)

Let's remember that we're family, and a watching world is desperate to see that God's love isn't a religious fable:

For more encouragement, visit www.kristinspann02.wix.com/spring1 (click on "blog" at the top)

We often get so wrapped up in our own busyness or troubles that we forget to enjoy life. We forget to rest in the security of his care over us. Proverbs assures us of it: "He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones." (Proverbs 2:7-8, NIV) So much negative emotion is spent on our present circumstances and future concerns that no room is left for inner rest. Instead of dwelling on what is wrong, or what could go wrong, yield to him - submit to his will. Know that he's got you, and everything's going to be okay. Enjoy life with him.

Like a current flowing through the water, so is God's guiding Spirit through our lives. When we yield to him, our lives take their natural course: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV, 1984) When we push against his pull, we end up with a lot of exhaustion, frustration, pain, and struggle that are avoidable. God never promised a trouble-free life - after all, we live in a world with the freedom to generate trouble for ourselves and others, sometimes on a massive scale. However, we can escape a lot of hardship by simply listening to God, trusting him, and letting Him draw us in the direction of his will.