Proverbs 18:19-20

 ¹⁹A brother wronged is more unyielding than a fortified city; disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel. ²⁰From the fruit of their mouth a person’s stomach is filled; with the harvest of their lips they are satisfied.

Fish

A fishermen caught fish and published it on social media. Subscribers quickly appreciated it. Someone asked, “Where did you catch the fish?” He hilariously responded, “In the water, where else?” Another commented, “I also have a secret fishing hole but I have not caught any fish. Possibly the fish don’t know the place either because it’s a secret place.”

Some fishermen do not want to reveal about their secret fishing hole. Secrets should be kept hidden but there are things that we should share. And be careful of what you may share. If there’s no tangible proof, it would just be a gossip. Personal relationship with God should not be kept secret. But how do we prove our relationship with Christ? Can you testify about it?

Seriously, how do you interpret what Christ teaches in Luke 6:44-45?

⁴⁴Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers. ⁴⁵A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.

If we enjoyed our travels, our heart is filled with gladness. We want our friends to explore similar experiences. If we enjoyed our time watching live the games of our favorite player, we may share it. Who knows, there might be someone looking forward to experience similar adventure we had.

Spiritually, what do you enjoy about your adventure with Christ? Write down in words how he transformed your behavior. Before you trusted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, reflect on your behavior particularly toward your siblings. What behavior toward siblings can prove that you’re new person?

Many are concerned about their sibling relationship. Actually, sibling relationship problem is biblical. Reflect on what it says in Genesis 37:3-4,

³Now Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other sons, because he had been born to him in his old age; and he made an ornate robe for him. ⁴When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him.

Israel is the name God gave Jacob. Jacob’s favoritism toward Joseph caused his others sons to hate Joseph. Why? They desired treatment from their father similar to what he gave to Joseph. They hated Joseph and sold him as slave as revenge. They felt favoritism toward Joseph was wrong. They felt no regret at all. They’re hardhearted like unyielding fortified city.

1. Fortified

¹⁹A brother wronged is more unyielding than a fortified city; disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel.

In the past, walls were built around their city to secure, protect and fortify themselves. Fortified cities have high walls. High walls may prevent invaders. When a brother felt wrong, he becomes defensive like fortified city. His unyielding heart is hard to win over, no matter who may explain.

Have you not experienced it when you felt wronged? Do you readily entertain people who offended you? Do you readily listen to people who offended you? You avoid them if possible. Why? We do not know how to express sentiments in diplomatic or dramatic way. It may offend them too.

How many among us attempted what Matthew 18:15-17 advised?

¹⁵If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. ¹⁶But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. ¹⁷If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.

Among many cultures, to point out their offense can be interpreted as guilt shaming instead of kind consideration. If we point out their offense, will offenders feel embarrassed? Guilt may cause them to be angry. They may felt offended also. Then they turn the tide or reverse the situation.

So, why is Matthew 18:15-17 not always implemented? It is because it is commanded by the Lord. Meaning, it takes godly effort to follow it. What else? It takes love for offenders to win them back. Additionally, when we are offended, we become like unyielding fortified cities that are hard to win over. Personally, are you easily won over after you were offended?

Joseph

The brothers of Joseph sold him into slavery. Did Joseph forgive his brothers right after the incident? Maybe not! More or less 40 years after Joseph was sold into Egypt, his brothers were scared that he still held a grudge against them. Yes, 40 years in Egypt after the incident. Their father Jacob died before Joseph assured his brothers in Genesis 50:19-21,

¹⁹Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? ²⁰You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. ²¹So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And Joseph reassured them and spoke kindly to them.

Joseph did not say that he forgave them but his kind word reassured his brothers that he won’t retaliate against them. It is godly effort to forgive offenders. Forgiveness is practically displayed in kindness to offenders. To be kind and good to offenders, we need to be filled with the Holy Spirit.

2. Filled

²⁰From the fruit of their mouth a person’s stomach is filled; with the harvest of their lips they are satisfied.

We can be filled or satisfied or not yet. Our words may affect our life.  How we speak can be productive or destructive. Most often smooth-talkers persuade anyone. Their were words are sweet to the ears. They do not need to deceive or tell a lie. They just know how to smartly maximize and use their speech to entertain or catch attention of their listeners.

Let’s reflect on Matthew 7:28-29, ²⁸When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, ²⁹because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.

Christ is the truth. His words are truthful. He’s not bothered if listeners are offended. Actually, his words offend people. Anyone rebels against God is offended by his words. Anyone who resist the word of God is offended. They think godly warnings are curses but they won’t desire to be changed.

But potential believers whom God prepared to believe in Christ will sense desire to be transformed and listen how they may reconcile to God.

God arranged divine opportunities for us to testify for Christ. Special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, funerals, dedication of children, vehicles, businesses or buildings are a few circumstances we can take advantage of and share the gospel of salvation in Christ.

If you are not trained to share the gospel, you may invite speakers, hand out evangelism tracts, pray and invite them to attend church or during special activities like church sportfest, picnic, fishing derby or family camp.

When opportunity comes to testify for Christ, just remember Mark 13:11,

¹¹Do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.

God has selected potential believers to accept Christ as Lord and Savior. Pray to be filled with the Holy Spirit and be prepared to speak about our adventure with Christ. Prayerfully learn how to intentionally explain that Christ was crucified for the forgiveness of our sins. Behavior and lifestyle can help us harvest for ourselves treasure in heaven. Amen!

<))’> ><))’> tmec\ltsii\2026 <‘((>< <‘((><