Week 31/2024
(PS: due to Graeme’s ill health, the series on Christ in the Old Testament is currently suspended.)
“A word fitly spoken is like APPLES OF GOLD in a setting of silver” (Proverbs 25v11)
The Bible has much to say about words and how they have either positive or negative impact. The apostle Paul writing to Christians instructs us to exercise discretion in our use of words:
“Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.” (Colossians 4v6)
Words can bring so much comfort, encouragement, guidance and love. But if we need to say hard things, it must never be in anger or to destroy others as the Bible tells us:
“ Speaking the truth in love” (Ephesians 4v16)
The Apostle James had to reprimand the early Christians for being spiritual ‘chameleons’ and we need to take note of what he said:
“With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.” (James 3v9)
We all have vivid memories of the devastating fires that destroyed so much of our beautiful area in 2017 and James compares our tongue to a spark that sets a forest on fire:
“The tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.” (James 3v5)
If we are a genuine Christian, we must have a sincere desire to control our tongue. We can only do this if we allow the Holy Spirit who indwells every genuine believer to change us and the evidence is:
“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” (Galatians 5v22)
We quench the Holy Spirit by not allowing Him freedom to do His work in our lives and bring forth Godly fruit. We grieve the Holy Spirit by unholy talk and lifestyle:
“But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander and abusive speech from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices.” (Colossians 3v8)
God Bless
Graeme Greenwood