Are you Building Up or Tearing Down?
By Susan Aken
“The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.” Proverbs 14:1
It’s easy to destroy but constructing takes work and patience.
Our newly built house was beautiful! All the months of deliberation and waiting were worth the result. Building a house takes careful planning. The blueprints must be followed exactly if one wants lasting results.
Creating a family also takes time and effort. As with a house, one must have a strong foundation, and the only lasting foundation is Jesus Christ.
A wise woman will follow the master plan given in the Bible and depend on the Holy Spirit to empower her. Through faith in Christ, prayer, and His written word she learns how to walk with love, grace, forgiveness, and humility.
A foolish woman builds on a foundation of selfishness and pride. If things don’t go her way she rips and tears, or bulldozes relationships down. She chooses criticism instead of encouragement. She holds on to bitterness and resentment.
How do I begin to build wisely? I believe in Jesus and receive His forgiveness and grace. I study the Bible, seeking His truth. I yield to the Holy Spirit daily, asking for His intervention. When someone hurts my feelings, instead of attacking, I forgive. I cover the mistakes of others with grace knowing God’s grace covers me.
When I hurt others with my own selfishness, I confess, make amends, and move on. I remember that love is patient, kind, and does not demand its own way. I rely on God’s strength because I know I can’t live this way on my own. I remember my words have the power of life and death. I will choose to speak life.
Are you in the process of building up or tearing down? Believe in Jesus and ask Him to help you build your home.
Susan Aken is a homemaker, teacher, writer, and frequent contributor to Wholly Loved Ministries’ projects. She lives in Nebraska but was born and raised in Oklahoma. She and her husband have one son. Her greatest love is for the Lord Jesus Christ who has redeemed her and set her free. Susan enjoys reading, photography, spending time with family and friends, and writing. She has a heart for prayer ministry and loves her church. Visit her online at susanaken53.wordpress.com
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Originally published Wednesday, 13 February 2019.
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