If So, Tell It!

Telling it like it is can be noted as being honest or having honestly assessed something. However, it can also be brutal in its telling. For example, to just come right out and tell someone they are ugly or untalented in something they are trying to do can be very unkind. A little tact can be a good thing. Still, there is telling which ought to be ongoing in our life both verbally and through the manner in which we live.

One of the psalmists urged. . .
"(1) Oh give thanks to the LORD, for HE IS GOOD, for HIS STEADFAST LOVE ENDURES FOREVER. (2) LET THE REDEEMED OF THE LORD SAY SO, whom he has redeemed from trouble (3) and gathered in from the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south." ( Psalm 107:1-3 ESV)

It was important for Israel to remember their REDEEMER and DELIVERER. Remembering where they had been and where they were presently would served to prompt them to live on in faithfulness and thankfulness to God for all HIS GREAT LOVE had provided and would provide. How could they forget the great deliverance from Egyptian bondage or any of the later deliverances and reuniting as a nation they had gone through? To have come to know that GOD IS GOOD and to keep SAYING SO would have gone a long way to keep them LIVING SO! However, again and again Israel's history -- even beginning at the mountain ( Exodus 32:4) revealed they did forget and worshipped other gods that could not save them or do them any good.

Referring to Jesus, Paul stated. . .
"(14) who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works." ( Titus 2:14 ESV)

The Greek word translated "redeem" here comes from "lutroo" which means "to release on receipt of ransom" or "release by paying a ransom price." [source: W.E. Vine's Expository Dictionary of N.T. Words] We have been bought to belong to Jesus as His possession. Having been REDEEMED our life is to reflect we are His! Does our life SAY SO?

Having been REDEEMED by Christ and delivered from slavery to sin, we ought to be eternally thankful. We should also be "zealous" for carrying out the "good works" He has called us to do, which includes telling what He has done on our behalf. Are we appreciating that deliverance? Then SAY SO! Do we acknowledge His GOODNESS? Then SAY SO! Do we recognize His EVERLASTING LOVE? Then SAY SO!

Forgetting opens wide the door for repeating the mistakes of the past and slipping from a right relationship with God. Remembering how great the need for our REDEMPTION was and the high cost (Jesus' blood) by which it was secured, should prompt us to say something. We of all people -- the REDEEMED -- should speak of the GOODNESS OF GOD'S LOVE. By doing so we will keep our focus there and can draw others to share it as well. Have we come to truly know "HE IS GOOD" and that "HIS STEADFAST LOVE ENDURES FOREVER"? Then let us "SAY SO" and LIVE SO the world will believe us!

Have a great day TELLING IT LIKE HE IS!
Carl

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