If words were money I imagine we would be much more mindful of how they were spent. I know I can throw an abundance of words into the air and onto the keyboard with barely blinking. In fact, when I get excited my husband teases me because I get more and more wide-eyed as I speak. I also catch myself speaking more loudly when in a group. I see now this is an effort to be heard, to be noticed and valued. Here is an area for me to work on. For. Certain.
I have been in the presence recently of some folks who will speak over and above others in order to be heard. However, the words being spoken are not encouraging ones. Far from it. These are words of bitterness and resentment. Words meant to belittle. Words meant to hurt. I agree that we get hurt and, as sinful humans, we want to lash out and strike back. We condemn those around us. Jesus came to save, not to condemn (John 12: 46-47). Then why do we, who are called by His name, spend so many of our words condemning ourselves and others to a life a bondage. Bondage of hatred, anger, and shame. ("Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me." Remember this from childhood? Boy was that rhyme wrong! )
To the point...
Spend your words to warn others that Hell is real and to help them turn toward Christ and the salvation that is given by His grace and mercy for all. If you are saved, it is your duty to proclaim this truth. (Ezekiel 3:18-19)
The Lord desires a relationship with you but He hates those who desire evil towards another. (Zechariah 8:17)
John 13:34 - "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another."
Romans 12:10 - "Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor."
Galatians 5:13 - "For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another."
By His provision, you are able to communicate with others. This is not a right, but a gift from God. YOU were created for a purpose and so was the one person (or people) you struggle to get along with. So use your words to build up and give guidance, not to destroy. If there is someone you have been struggling with, constantly in verbal battles, you know the one. They walk into the room and your whole body tenses up. You catch yourself rehearsing venomous words in your mind. Yep! That's the one! Begin praying through the following verse.
2 Corinthians 13:11 - "Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you."
The prayer may go something like this:
Dear Creator in Heaven, I know you created ____ for a purpose. You have a plan for him/her. As one who has received salvation, freedom from my sins, help me to speak words of peace right now. My flesh wants to fight but my spirit is Yours and You desire peace. So, I need the Holy Spirit to speak through me right now and to bring love and restoration into this next conversation between me and ____. May the next words I speak and the actions that follow lead ____ into a relationship with You. May ____ experience a life of freedom through salvation. Be present in me, Oh, God. Speak through me now. Amen.
Notice the conditional promise in this verse. When you aim for restoration and comfort, living in peace with others, not in battle over who is right and who is wrong, then and only then..."the God of love and peace will be with you." If you continue to take part in the fight, assaulting with your words, you will not experience His love and peace.
The change starts right now. With You.
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