“Do not let unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only that is wholesome for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” - Ephesians 4:29 (NIV).
In many places whenever folks are involved in a conflict situation usually it doesn’t take long and a language that is not just negative but just as abusive sets in. This kind of talk for some reason makes certain people feel vindicated as they pour scorn on the one they love to hate.
As believers it is easy to be drawn into such unhealthy talk especially where we have a case against the target. In some instances we might also add in a word or two from our choice vocabulary.
But then that is wrong. There is no good that comes out of pouring scorn on those who we may not look at things from the same page. Rather we ought to find ways to bless even those we disagree with. And if we can’t resist better to hold one’s mouth. “When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise” ( Proverbs 10:19, NASB).
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham in heaven, today I pray in the mighty name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, that my tongue may always glorify you.
Related upcoming events
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19/04/2024 - 20/04/2024 All day“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland” ( Isaiah 43:19).
Just before fire was unleashed down on Sodom and Gommorah, Lot was told to pack up with his wife and two daughters and leave their homestead. Now, once out of danger, “But Lot’s wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt” ( Gen 19:26). Perhaps here we might pause and ask why she was bothered to look back.
Of course it could have been that old “curiosity killed a cat” mistake! Yet, it could also have been Lot’s wife was not sure where she was going and longed for her old life back. This is a common error. There was nothing stirring to look back. Just before Lot’s neighbors had attacked his house eager to rape his visitors. “They called to Lot, “Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us so that we can have sex with them” ( vv 5). Was there anything worth looking back to!
The case of Lot’s wife could be anyone else’s experience. The Lord has plucked you out of some mess. You have been delivered to a new life. Yet, somehow you decide to look back, as though there was anything good and worth longing for. Sometimes it is a bitter past you have been delivered from. Other than rejoice in your new blessings you keep being drawn back!
A wise caution goes, “As a dog returns to its vomit, so fools repeat their folly” ( Proverbs 26:11). If the Lord has just led you out of a certain mess why look back like it was much better! Instead look ahead, for “he who made a way through the sea, a path through the mighty waters, who drew out the chariots and horses, the army and reinforcements together, and they lay there, never to rise again, extinguished, snuffed out like a wick: Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past” ( vv 17- 18).
Prayer today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, I thank you for delivering me from the darkness of the past and I look forward to a bright new future in you, this I pray in Jesus’ name!
