Reading: Proverbs 12-15
Asoft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness. The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good. A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit (Prov. 15:1-4).
How we say something is every bit as important as what we say. Harsh or bitter tones, judgmental and condescending looks or mannerisms, and aggressive posturing have no place in our dealings with our fellow Christians or in our witness of Christ. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved (John 3:17). Responding to anger with anger or hate with hate will do nothing but escalate the fight and alienate the other person. It doesn’t matter if our words are just and true; if they are thrown with venom at our audience, the message that we are trying to get across will not be heard. Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man (Col. 4:5-6).
Tempering our speech with love and grace does not mean we should water down our message. It in no way means that we must support or participate in sinful behavior or compromise our God-proscribed values for the comfort of others. Nor does it mean we should choose to take the ‘live and let live’ path. When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand (Ezek. 3:18). God has called us to mentor, support, and when necessary, lovingly admonish our brothers and sisters in Christ. Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted (Gal. 6:1). We are also called to share the Gospel and model a Christled life to everyone we come into contact with. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven (Matt. 5:16).
To answer these callings as God intended, we must first relinquish our self-righteous pride and accept that we are no better than our neighbor. They are no less worthy of God’s love and grace than we are. Our lives should speak for themselves; there is no need for us to point out in words our own perceived Godliness in contrast to their worldly nature. 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 (Eph. 4:29). Instead of tearing down, we should build up. Affirm their worth in God’s eyes, not what they could be someday, but what they are right now—a person God believes is worth saving. Even delivered in love, this message won’t be welcomed by everyone we share it with. But by offering it up in a non-confrontational manner, we greatly increase our chances of being heard.
For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ (I Thess. 5:9).
Thought for Today: Only through the acceptance of God's love will we find the path forward.
Christ Revealed: As One who hates Lying (Prov. 12:22).
Word Studies: 12:1 brutish = without regard to reason or propriety; 12:11 vain = worthless; 12:25 Heaviness = Worry; maketh it stoop = causes depression; 13:11 vanity = dishonesty; 13:16 layeth open = exposes; 14:1 plucketh = tears; 14:23 penury = poverty; 15:1 grievous = harsh; 15:17 stalled = fattened; 15:27 gifts = bribes.
Pray for Government Official: Sen. Raphael Warnock (GA)• Country: Tonga (106,440) Southwestern Pacific • Major Languages: Tongan, English • Religious Freedom • 64.9% Protestant; 16.8% Mormon; 15.6% Roman Catholic; 2.7% Other/None/Unspecified • Prayer Suggestion: Praise God in prayer and with singing for His Word is pure and His works are done in truth (Ps. 33:2-4).
Optional Reading:Philemon 1