Always and Never
Have you ever been hit with the “You Always” club or were bruised by its cousin the “You Never” switch? Or maybe you’re the one who has developed a habit of using those verbal weapons? It is rarely the truth, however, but most often it is an exaggeration, a form of manipulation, or a statement of great frustration. It certainly is not helpful in resolving things or bringing about change.
Always and Never
There isn’t just a negative side to “You Always” or “You Never.” “She always made time for others.” “He never spoke an unkind word.” Those are some serious compliments.
Always and Never
Those are two very important words to anyone who is serious about following Jesus, pleasing God, and being and good and godly person. God’s word (the Bible) instructs and commands us to practice numerous “always” and “nevers.”
- Always live out your love for God by following His ways and obeying His commandments. You shall therefore love the LORD your God, and always keep His charge, His statutes, His ordinances, and His commandments. Deuteronomy 11:1 (NASB)
- Always choose the path of a clear conscience. In view of this, I also do my best to maintain always a blameless conscience both before God and before men. Acts 24:16 (NASB)
- Always be involved in and tenacious about God’s work. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NASB)
- Never let evil entice you to do evil, but always do what is right and good for others. Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. Romans 12:17 (NASB) See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people. 1 Thessalonians 5:15 (NASB)
- Never try to even the score no matter what someone did to you. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,” says the Lord. Romans 12:19 (NASB)
- Never try to even the score no matter what someone did to you. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,” says the Lord. Romans 12:19 (NASB)
- Always watch your words and how you respond. Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person. Colossians 4:6 (NASB)
- Always have a hopeful and good attitude. Therefore, being always of good courage, and knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord— 2 Corinthians 5:6 (NASB). Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Philippians 4:4 (NASB)
- Always rejoice, pray, and be grateful. Rejoice always; pray without ceasing;
in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NASB)
- Always be ready to tell others about Jesus and your faith in Him. Always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; 1 Peter 3:15-16 (NASB)
This short “always” and “never” list is by no means comprehensive, but it will get you started with changing how “always” and “never” define you and are spoken about you. I’ve always thought you could, and you will never be the same.
To God be all glory. Love you, Pastor Hans
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