Windows Open to Jesus
A quiet table where rumors fade and fellowship grows.
Devotional Credit: Open Windows by T. Austin-Sparks
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Philippians 2 calls us to be tender and compassionate, to agree in the Lord, and to work together with one mind and purpose. In today’s selection, T. Austin-Sparks warns how suspicion and rumor can choke fellowship. He is not scolding. He is inviting us to look again at Jesus, the One who is better than every argument, and to let His mindset shape how we handle reports, comments, and headlines.
I need that reminder. It is easy to run with a half story, or to pass along a concern before asking, is this true. The enemy loves to use fear and mistrust to fracture believers. The Spirit loves to use patience and truth to build the family. The difference is not clever debate. The difference is where our hearts are centered.
Austin-Sparks suggests a simple test. When a critique or rumor lands, pause and ask better questions. Did the person really mean that. Is there another way to read this. Have I checked, or am I assuming. That kind of charity is not naive. It is the humility and wisdom that flows from Jesus, who is superior to all else.
So today, I want the higher ground that sees people through the Lord’s eyes. Unity does not mean silence about real issues. It does mean slow conclusions, gentle tone, and a sincere pursuit of what builds up. In that posture, even hard conversations can become places where the life of Jesus is seen.
Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
I call you to one mind in Christ. If there is any encouragement in the Messiah, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, complete My joy by being of the same mind, with the same love, in full accord. Do nothing from rivalry or pride. In humility count others more significant than yourselves. Look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
I give you the mind of Christ. Let your words be gracious, seasoned with salt. Speak the truth in love. Let no corrupt talk come from your mouth, but only what builds up, that it may give grace to those who hear. Put away bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and slander. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another as God in Christ forgave you.
I teach you to test reports. The first to state a case seems right until another comes and examines. If one gives an answer before hearing, it is folly and shame. Where there is no wood the fire goes out. A gossip separates close friends. Love covers a multitude of sins. Seek peace and pursue it. Aim for what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.
I form wisdom from above in you. It is pure, peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. Sow peace and you will harvest righteousness. Abide in Me. Walk by the Spirit. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly. Encourage one another and build one another up. If a matter requires correction, go to your brother in private. Do it with gentleness, for I am with you.
Scripture references: Philippians 2:1 to 4, 1 Corinthians 2:16, Colossians 4:6, Ephesians 4:15, Ephesians 4:29 to 32, Proverbs 18:17, Proverbs 18:13, Proverbs 26:20, Proverbs 17:9, 1 Peter 4:8, Psalm 34:14, Romans 14:19, James 3:17 to 18, Galatians 5:16 to 25, Colossians 3:16, 1 Thessalonians 5:11, Matthew 18:15.
Real-Life Analogy
Think about your phone’s camera when it tries to read a small QR code. If you rush the shot, the image blurs and the code will not scan. If you slow your hands and let the camera focus, the square locks in and the link opens. The indwelling Spirit of Jesus does that for our reactions. He settles the shake, brings people into clear focus, and keeps us from sending a blurry response.
Try this today. If a troubling text or post pops up, pause for a few seconds and let your inner focus settle in the Lord. Pray quietly, Lord, I trust You to slow my reactions and guide my words right now. Then ask one clarifying question, or choose silence if that serves love and truth.
Prayer of Confidence
Father, thank You for joining me to Jesus and giving me His mind. Thank You for the Spirit who guards my lips and guides my steps. I receive this day as a place to seek what builds up, to assume the best until truth is clear, and to speak with grace. Lord, I trust You to express Your patience and honesty through me in every conversation.