Things I'm learning recently, by God's grace:
1] Be gentle in speaking truth. Real truth is usually sharp & hard-hitting enough, & doesn't need extra sharpness added to it.
2] Be brief & concise in your speech. Say what needs to be said & speak more Scripture than your own words. Don't fall in love with the sound of your own voice- that'll make it easier to be quick to listen, slow to speak. (James 1:19)
3] Watch out for cynicism. Never know who might be wounded by it.
4] Keep commitments, no matter how difficult it is to do so.
5] Work ahead in school, etc- never regrettable.
6] Actually pray. Don't tell someone you'll pray for them unless you actually will. Better to be silent than to lie.
7] Don't watch the clock when in church, class, or a meeting. Learn to listen & develop a buff attention span.
8] Live fully where you are. Text less, talk to people face-to-face more often.
9]God's grace is greater than any troubles- He disciplines those Whom He loves. Make sure you suffer for doing good, & not for sinning. (1 Peter 2:20)
1 Peter 5:6-11, "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen."
