Where discipline of the tongue is practiced (Eph. 4:29), individuals will make an incomparable discovery. They will be able to stop incessantly observing others, judging them, condemning them, relegating them to their particular, controllable positions, and thus doing violence to them. They can let them stand entirely free, just as God placed them in regard to himself. Their vision widens, and for the first time --- and to their astonishment --- they know the wealth of God's glory as Creator.
---Dietrich Bonhoeffer, I Want to Live These Days with You, July 7
As the love of God begins with us listening to his Word, so the love of our sisters and brothers begin with us learning to listen to them. God's love for us consists not only in giving us his Word but also in lending us his ear. Thus it is his work that we do for our brothers and sisters when we learn to listen to them.
---Dietrich Bonhoeffer, I Want to Live These Days with You, July 9
How amazing... the discipline of the tongue... changes thoughts... hearts...
Listening... quieting flesh... turning outside oneself... a way to love...
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths,
but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion,
that it may give grace to those who hear.
Ephesians 4:29 ESV
Lord Jesus... keep my thoughts fixed on You...
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