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The Law of Connection Part 12

Malachi Touches Heart First-Malachi 1:2-14

Malachi begins his book by practicing the Law of Connection. Prior to any declarations of judgment, Malachi speaks words of compassion, straight from the heart of God (Mal. 1:2-5). The Lord reviews how much He loves the people, how He has chosen them and privileged them above the Edomites. Only then does He begin to address their need for improvement (1:6-14). He makes both His love and His correction very specific:

Affirmation	Admonishment
1. I have loved you (v. 2).	1. Where is My honor? (v. 6).
2. I have chosen you (v. 2).	2. You defiled My altar (vv. 7, 8).
3. I will defeat your enemies (vv. 3, 4).	3. You act like My enemy (v. 10).
4. I will be magnified worldwide (v. 5).	4. You’ve profaned My name (v. 12).

Effective leaders connect before they correct. They earn their right to change the life of their followers by first affirming their identity and relationship to the leader. How do we do this? Consider the following simple process:

Look for the good first.
Identify what you can affirm.
Be specific about your encouragement.
Note what needs to be changed.
Challenge the person to grow through change.
Tell them why the change is important.
Express confidence that they can do it.

Join me next time for The Law of Connection Part 13