Let's Begin!

I would like to start first by defining the below scripture which is the basis of this blog:

Titus 2:3-5

  Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good.  Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children,  to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.

I believe that we see and call words on a day to day basis without really knowing the true meaning of them.  I know I have been guilty of that on many occasion then later realizing that I didn't really understand what I read or even heard. Those misunderstandings have had some negative impacts on my life. As the word says, In all things to get an understanding (Proverbs 4:7)... this includes God's word. 

Reverent- showing respect or reverence; respectful

Slanderer- one who attacks the reputation of another 

addicted- Physically and mentally dependent on a particular substance

self-control- the act of denying yourself; controlling your impulses

pure- Wholesome and untainted 

subject- Under the authority of

malign-  To make evil, harmful, and often untrue statements about; speak evil of

The best exercise I use to understand what I am reading is to find the definition and then replace the word with that defined word or phrase. For example:

Titus 2:3-5

  Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent (to show respect or honor) in the way they live, not to be slanderers (one who attacks the reputation of another)

or addicted (Physically and mentally dependent on a particular substance) to much wine, but to teach what is good.  Then they can urge (persuade, encourage) the younger women to love their husbands and children,  to be self-controlled (the act of denying yourself; controlling your impulses) and pure (Wholesome and untainted, without stain), to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject (Under the authority of)to their husbands, so that no one will malign (  To make evil, harmful, and often untrue statements about; speak evil of) the word of God.

My first encouragement to you is to redefine the words in this scripture or even another scripture and replace them with the truest definition and reread it. It will be so very eye opening. 

-Shalom