Romans 14:13 and 19

Then let us not criticize one another anymore, but rather determine this-not to put an obstacle or stumbling block or a source of temptation in another believer’s way. So then, let us pursue (with enthusiasm) the things which make for peace and the building up of one another (things that lead to spiritual growth).

The best way to stay in peace and love is to stay in the word.  The word will remind us of our own imperfections and keep us humble and less prone to criticize others.  Our hearts flourish when we pursue peace and build up one another and walk in love.  Love is the key to spiritual growth. 

Ephesians 4:29

Do not let unwholesome (foul, profane, worthless, vulgar) words ever come out of your mouth, but only such speech as is good for building up others, according to the need and the occasion, so that it will be a blessing to those who hear (you speak).

What comes out of our mouths is a great indicator of what is in our hearts.  If we feel pain, joy, sadness, anger, love it all starts in our hearts and then we speak it.  If our heart has lost its balance and foundation from the Word what we speak will not align with the Word.  We no longer have the focus of Gods’ Word coming out of our mouths but we speak from the fleshly nature which leads to sin.  

John 14:27

Peace I leave with you; My (perfect) peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. (Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.) 

Jesus left us peace and help in the form of the Holy Spirit to teach us in all things.  We are to not let our hearts be troubled or afraid but let peace reign.  Our focus, trust and confidence must be in what He tells us in the word and by the guidance of the Holy Spirit.  We must trust in the peace and take our eyes off what causes fear.  

2 Corinthians 12:9

But He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you (My loving kindness and My mercy are more than enough regardless of the situation); for (My) power is being perfected (and is complete and shows itself most effectively) in weakness.” Therefore, I will all the more gladly boast in my weakness, so that the power of Christ (may completely enfold me and) may dwell in me.  

It is time to look at weakness in a different light as a Christian.  If we realize our weakness and turn to rely on God, then God is an ABLE to work for us and through us unhindered.  God gets the glory when people can see His power working through us and for us.  We want the power of God to dwell in us but we must let go and trust God first.

Hebrews 10:39

But our way is not that of those who shrink back to destruction, but (we are) those who believe (relying on God through faith in Jesus Christ, the Messiah) and by this confidence faith preserve the soul. 

All fear opposes faith and wears away our confidence in God and His word.  Fear is what causes us to shrink back to destruction and weakens our confidence. When faith dominates the heart and mind fear is not tolerated and the thoughts not allowed in. Faith teaches us to be brave because we know that God is at work in our lives.

Hebrews 10:36

For you have need of patient endurance (to bear up under difficult circumstances without compromising), so that when you have carried out the will of God, you may receive and enjoy to the full what is promised.

In order to bear up under difficult circumstances and have faith it takes practice.  We have to practice our study of the word, worship, praise and seeking God.  When we know what we believe in and why we can stand on that knowledge.  The knowledge only comes from patient endurance and sticking with God and His word in belief.

Luke 16:10

He who is faithful in a very little thing is also faithful in much; and he who is dishonest in a very little thing is also dishonest in much.  

Our integrity matters and shows whether we can be relied on by God. Suppose we are not faithful and reliable in the little things. God will never let us handle the challenge of something larger. We would not be trustworthy and would fail. A greater reward exists for being faithful in very little because it will lead to us being able to be faithful in much.  

Jeremiah 33:3

Call to Me and I will answer you, and tell you (and even show you) great and mighty things, (things which have been confined and hidden), which you do not know and understand and cannot distinguish.  

God responds to faith and will teach those who want to learn. When we cry out to God for understanding in confidence and not fear, God will reveal answers to us.   Like a child asks questions of a parent, we are to call to God, and God will show us mighty things.

Mark 11:23

I assure you and most solemnly say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea!’ and does not doubt in his heart (in God’s unlimited power), but believes that what he says will be done for him.

What are we speaking to ourselves internally and to those around us? Are we using our words and faith to move mountains, or are we speaking doubt and unbelief? It matters for our futures what we believe and whether we are talking ourselves out of a victory. The Bible is here to help us conquer our fears and will tear down the mountain when we speak the word in faith.

John 3:16

God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.  

Love is the cornerstone of our faith. God loved us first, created us in His image, and sent Jesus to save us from our sins. Our love back to God and towards others is just as important because we are to act in His image here on earth. Our lives depend on love, and we can’t take what God’s love and done for us for granted.