The Power of Words

     The words we speak, along with the manner in which we say them, give insight into our spirituality and what kind of character we possess.  Have you ever heard other Christians, who try to defend their harsh demeanor, or harmful speech by saying “I can’t help it, I have always been that way” as if to mean God created them that way and they cannot change!   Followers of Christ ought to be the most mannerly, respectful, and kind individuals in the way they talk to one another and their fellow man.

The Bible has much to say about our tongue and the words we speak.

A Warning

      And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell (James 3:6).

Have you ever hurt someone through the words you spoke?  Have you ever been on the receiving end of harmful speech?

Listen More, Speak Less!

     “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger” (James 1:19).  We need to practice listening!

Heal Not Hurt

     Proverbs 16:24, The New Century Version reads “Pleasant words…”   Our manner is as important as the words we speak!  What is your general reaction to someone who is offensive in their manner of speaking?  We are probably not going to take them seriously and avoiding their company will be high priority.  “There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing” (Proverbs 12:18).  “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person” (Colossians 4:6).

Careful Not Careless

    “ I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak,  for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matthew 12:36-37).  “So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty” (James 2:12).

Remember

     Resolve to make sure that your words heal not harm!  Remember “Be careful little tongue what you say?”

SM

 

Reflections On Tabitha by J.W. McGarvey

Nothing could be more graphic and simple than this narration, or
more touching than the incident itself. Amid the array of solemn and
stately events which are moving before us, it is dropped in, like a
flower in the forest. It opens a vista through the larger events of
history, and lets in light upon the social sorrows of the early saints,
awakening a closer sympathy between our hearts and theirs. We see here
enacted among them scenes with which we are familiar, when one who has
been noted for good works sickens and dies: the same anxiety felt by
all; the same desire for the presence of him who had been their
religious counselor; the same company of weeping sisters, and brethren
standing by in mournful silence. As each good deed of the departed is
recounted by some sobbing voice, and the garments “which she made while
she was with us” (Ac 9:39), to clothe the poor, are held
up to view, how the eyes gush! how the heart swells! These are sacred
hours.  The labors of a whole life of piety are pouring their rich
influence, unresisted, into softened hearts. How blessed are the dead
who die in the Lord! They rest from their labors, but their works do
follow them, still working while they are at rest. When Peter came into
the company of weeping disciples, he seems ready to stand once more
beside his master, as one he and all who were with him wept with Mary
and Martha over the tomb of Lazarus. But he remembers that his
compassionate master is now in heaven. With deep solemnity, he motions
the mourners all aside. He is left alone with the dead, and the company
without have hushed their sobs into silent suspense. He kneels down and
prays. How the heart turns to God beside the bed of death! How fervent
our prayers are then! The prayer of faith is heard. The eyes of the
dead are opened, and the faith and hope which glowed in them ere they
were closed are in them now. She sees the loved apostle, and rises to a
sitting posture. He takes her by the hand, raises her to the feet, and
calls in her friends. Who can describe the scene, when brothers and
sisters in the flesh and in the Lord, wild with conflicting emotions,
rushed in to greet the loved one recovered from the dead! And if that
is indescribable, what shall we say or think of that scene when all the
sainted dead shall rise in glory, and greet each there on the shores of
life? May Christ our Savior help us to that day! We have no Peter now,
to wake up our sleeping sisters, and give them back to us; but we do
not regret it, for we remember that Dorcas had to die again, and we
would not wish to weep again, as we have wept over the dying bed, and
the fresh sods of the silent grave. We would rather let them sleep on
in the arms of Jesus, till both we and they shall rise to die no
more (Original Commentary on Acts of Apostles, p. 129).

How Do We Determine What Is Right And Wrong?

Without absolutes, morals as morals cease to exist, and Humanistic man starting from himself has failed to find the absolute. But because the God of the Bible is there, real morals exist. Within this framework I can say one action is right and another wrong, without talking nonsense (Francis Schaeffer, The God Who Is There, p. 10).

When we’re trying to decide whether or not something is morally right, let’s test the decision by the following principles.

1. If the Bible condemns something, it is wrong to be involved in such (Galatians 5:19-21; Matthew 5:32).

2. If Jesus Christ would not do it, then we had better not be involved in it (1 Peter 2:21).

3. Anything that will harm you spiritually will hinder our eternal well-being (Romans 8:1-7; Galatians 5:16-26).

4. Anything that will hurt others and cause them to go astray; in the area of opinion, is to be avoided (Romans 14).

6. Anything that will hurt one physically is to be avoided (1 Corinthians 6:18-21; Romans 12:1-2).

7. Anything that will corrupt one’s mind or thoughts should be abstained from (Proverbs 4:23; Philippians 4:8).

8. Anything that will hurt our influence for Christ and His church (Matthew 5:14-16; 1 Timothy 4:12).

9. Anything that becomes more important to us than the Lord has become sin to us (Luke 12:16-21).

10. Any action that we would want to hide from others or that leads us into corrupt company should not be participated in (John 3:19; Proverbs 13:20; Hebrews 4:13).

11. Anything that hurts a biblical conscience is sin (Romans 14:21-23).

The Bible is our standard! An objective standard avoids chaos. The Bible speaks to the moral issues of every generation. God’s Word is always relevant and can be applied to whatever “issue” that is current to our society.

Practice What You Preach!

Years ago I mentioned in a sermon that young people should never take up smoking. I hadn’t planned to say much about it, but we had several smokers in the audience, and when I urged the youth not to take up tobacco one ofthe smokers said a loud “Amen.” I got bold and repeated my point and asked if I could hear some more “Amens.” I pressed the point asking, “Can’t I hear some more ‘Amens’?” That got most of the ones who smoked to say “Amen.” Then I hit the pulpit and demanded, “Why don’t you practice what you preach?”

(David Pharr, Christian Messenger, February 2009, p. 6)

Friday – What Will You Do This Weekend?

Random Acts of Kindness.

• Make a donation to your local animal shelter – treats, food, first aid supplies, toys or even cat litter.
• Give a donation to a charity as a gift for someone who already has everything.
• Write something nice about your waitperson on the back of the bill. Or, leave a larger than usual tip if the service has been exceptionally good.
• Donate blood.
• Send a card to a lonely person.
• Surprise someone in your house with breakfast in bed.
• After loading your groceries in the car, return your cart to the store. Better yet, offer to take a stranger’s cart too.
• Save box tops for education and donate to a local school, even if you don’t have children.
• Prepare treats for neighbors, emergency workers, mail carriers, coworkers or other community members, along with a note of appreciation.
• Bring a treat to share with coworkers.

Thursday – Make a Difference Today!

Random Acts of Kindness

· Flowers and chocolate are wonderful, but a smile is also a gift. Use it today!

· Find yourself at the grocery store and it’s not yet the weekend? Give your place at the checkout line to another person, such as someone in a hurry or a parent with restless little children.

· Send a letter to some former teachers, letting them know the difference they made in your life.

· Send a gift anonymously to a friend.

· Tell your children why you love them.

· Give a hug to a friend.

· Praise the work or attitude of an employees, supervisor or coworker.

· When a coworker needs to talk, meet him or her at lunch and listen with compassion.

· Place some flowers on the desk of each of your coworkers.

· Offer to help out with the not-so-pleasant tasks at work.

Wednesday – Be Helpful and Encouraging Today

Random Acts of Kindness

· Help someone struggling with heavy bags.

· Compliment someone you don’t really know about something they are wearing.

· Hold the door open for someone rushing to catch it.

· Write a kind note to relatives and friends, letting them know why they are special.

· Select some people in your life who you feel need a special life and send them a gift: flowers, tickets to a special event or even dinner for the two of you to share.

· Buy books for a day care or school.

· Write a note to your mother/father and tell them why they are special.

· Say something nice to everyone you meet today.

· Refrain from negative talk; concentrate on the positive.

Tuesday – Smile and Be Happy Today

Random Acts of Kindness

· Smile and say “hello” to someone you don’t know.

· Do not talk behind anyone’s back or spread rumors.

· Include a note or joke in your child’s or spouse’s lunchbox.

· Drive safely and courteously.

· Stop for a person waiting to cross the street.

· Show your appreciation to coworkers through words and notes.

· Call a loved one just to say “I love you” or to tell them what you appreciate about them.

· Leave a bouquet of flowers on a neighbor’s front step or to a co-worker anonymously.

· Pat someone on the back.

· Be a friend to a new coworker.

· Laugh out loud often and share your smile generously.

Monday – No Reason at All Day

Random Acts of Kindness.

· Give someone a compliment today.

· Write a thank you note to a friend, family member or co-worker who went out of his or her way to help you.

· Instead of writing the note, thank him or her in person!

· As you go about your day, pick up trash

· Call or write to someone you haven’t spoken to in a long time, just to say you’re thinking about them.

· Plan lunch with a coworker.

· Send a treat to a school or day-care center.

· Share positive news and quotes with others.

· Help an overworked colleague with some tasks

· No Reason at all Potluck: Why wait for the next birthday, or when a coworker leaves? Schedule a potluck for your group just because.