EXPRESS LOVE—ESPECIALLY IN YOUR WORDS – Pastor Chris
Sunday, July 11, 2021
For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body (James 3:2).
The verse above tells us about Christian perfection or maturity in Christ and how to measure it. He says, “If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man….” Jesus said, “For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned” (Matthew 12:37). He put the premium on words.
In other words, whether you go to heaven or you go to hell would depend on the words you speak. Your life came by words, and so, it’ll always be dependent on words. Some people don’t understand this, so they speak carelessly, using profane and derogatory words, especially when they’re angry or unhappy.
Don’t pride yourself in your ability to subdue others with ugly words that damage their self-esteem. It may be someone who’s confided in you about something, but now there’s an issue; don’t see it as an opportunity to “expose” him or her. Think about the ministry of the Holy Spirit in your life: even though He knows everything about you, He never accuses or denigrates you before anyone. He loves and protects you always.
Jesus is that way too. He knew all men and knew everything about everybody, but He related to them in love. Even as He ministered to some of those who rejected His message, He said, “I judge you not” (John 12:47). How gracious He is! That’s the example He gives us to follow. If He never accuses you, if He doesn’t condemn you, if He doesn’t berate you with disparaging words, why do you think it would be proper to do that to your brothers and sisters? Express love only, especially in your words.
CONFESSION:
I give vent only to gracious and love-filled words; I continually fill my heart with the Word of God, and out of that abundance, I speak, expressing His love in words, edifying and impacting my hearers with His divine presence, power and glory, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY:
Colossians 4:6 Let your speech [be] alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
Ephesians 4:2 NLT Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your Love
Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
Luke 6:45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.
DAILY SCRIPTURE READING:
1-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Acts 21:1-16 & Job 25-28
2-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Luke 8:11-18 & Joshua 7
