Bonnie Smith
Are we Displaying His Splendor?

Good morning! đ I wanted to share this scripture that I just loveâŚit's such a good reminder to me of what God wants to do through His children! Isaiah 61:3 âThey will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.â The original Hebrew word used for âdisplay of His splendorâ is Paâar which means âembellish, beautify, adorn, to glorify, to bring honorâŚâ. This scripture reminds me that as Christians we are called to be the radiance of Godâs beauty and love on this earth! We are not called to be a judge but to offer grace and truth,out of genuine love, so that we truly radiate Gods beautifully gracious and loving nature! Galatians 6:1a âDear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path.â Also, I loved digging into the original meaning of His children being âOaks of Righteousnessâ. The Hebrew word for âOakâ is âAyilâ which means âstrength, strong support, mightyâ. Unfortunately, too often, Christians are seen as weak, critical, hypocritical, and judgmental which tends to be the cause of many non-believers turning away from God. This breaks my heart! So for me, I donât ever want to be the reason for someone turning from God or church. I want to be someone whose daily life causes them seek God. What is your treatment of others accomplishingâŚleading them to a loving, kind, patient and just God or causing them to run for the hills?