1 Corinthians 14:26  How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.

What if when you come together edification is left out? What then? We have come to a point in our relationships that we tend to mercy rather than truth with grace. We glaze over error in doctrine where a slight might be received as judgmental.

We recently lost one of our members to one who was unsound in doctrine because we did not correct his errors at every turn. We had opportunity. I stood against him once and said “You’re wrong.” It came off harsh to some, but he became cautious around me.

I cannot be everywhere, we all must stand against doctrine that is flawed lest we lose others to the tactic of persuasive personality. Charm does not dictate doctrine, the Word of God does, and it does so to the edification of the weak to build them up, strengthen them, and train them to stand against error.

Perhaps my greatest failing was not being graceful with truth. It is a failing of mine. I cut quick and deep. I wield the sword as a weapon rather than a scalpel. I allow others to apply the balm of healing. In this I need to learn from my mistakes, to the edification of the weak. If I do not learn we could lose another member to the doctrine of personality.

This is why each of us needs to participate in Sunday school, to test our own doctrine without fear. It is not a sin to have error in doctrine, it is a sin not to allow correction. Paul’s advice within 1 Corinthians 14 was in the support by two or more so that one person does not stand alone for truth.

Revelation 21:4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

If I asked most people if they would like to have this in the here and now, then I would expect a resounding yes. Living this life we lead in the here and no is painful. It comes with the territory. The only way to escape all the sorrows, tears, fears, anxieties, dangers, disease, and injustice is when all those things pass away. That means leaving the here and now for that promise which can only be accomplished in paradise with our Lord.

Aside from doing the unthinkable, how do you deal with all that? The majority of people who complain about the ugly things of this world only want it to stop. Having been someone who has lived with loved one suffering, I know how great a motivator pain can be in life. Both physical and emotional pain are devastating. I get it, but answer me this, what does it do to you spiritually?

Ephesians 6:18-20 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

Failing to spiritually persevere cuts off your ability to present your supplications and prayers in the Spirit. It is in the Spirit that God responds and the devil knows that. These words follow those instructions about putting on the whole armor of God with good reason.

Do not allow pain and suffering to steal your power to be heard in the Spirit.