"If you believe in yourself and have dedication and pride-and never quit, you will be a winner. The price of victory is high, but so are the rewards." Paul "Bear" Bryant
My husband and I have been attending a church we really love for a few months & decided we want to officially become members. We attended the class yesterday to learn what the church is about and how to become members. Also, yesterday my husband and I were baptized in front of our children. We both were baptized when we were younger, but it was not something we understood in our hearts, it was just what was expected of us. I am honored to have shared that moment with my husband and to have our children witness such a special decision. Our preacher explained to them what we were doing, and I hope one day they will be able to fully understand and make that decision on their own. After, we were given a 6 week devotional. (I cheated and read ahead...hehe) So I wanted to share something I liked from this devotional that has to deal with some things I have witnessed recently. I don't know how many of my readers are Christians, but I hope the verses and words I will share today speaks to you.
Speak No Evil
"Slander" to God is telling something detrimental about an individual to someone who is neither part of the problem or part of the solution. In other words, it doesn't have to be a lie or a half truth we are repeating for it to be a in. It may very well all be true! But if we are repeating this information to someone who is neither part of the problem nor part of the solution, we are guilty of slander. Let's try to discover how to keep our tongues free from Satan's evil "garbage."
Why do we slander another person? Is it because we don't love that person? "He who covers over an offense promotes love..."(Proverbs 17:9) If love covers over an offense, then the absence of love will broadcast it. We don't speak evil of those we love. Or at least we shouldn't, but some do. So I guess in that case, you don't really love the ones you slander...even if you claim to love them.
"If anyone says, 'I love God,' yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen." (1 John 4:20)
The key to overcoming the problem, is to love the person whom you once resented. If we truly love someone, we will be incapable of speaking evil of him.
"Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." (Colossians 4:6)
Train yourself to use your mouth only to build up others!
"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." (Ephesians 4:29)
Hear No Evil
The companion to the tongue is the ear. The slanderer would be silent if it were not for those who are so eager to listen to their never ending flow of dirt!
"A scoundrel plots evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire." (Proverbs 16:27)
"A wicked man listens to evil lips; a liar pays attention to malicious tongue." (Proverbs 17:4)
We won't listen to evil reports about those we love!
"Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." (1 Corinthians 13:6,7)
The best thing to do when someone approaches you with slandering, evil talk, is to walk away! Above all, don't hate the scorner, but continue to love him, but do not tolerate his sin. We should continue to help them overcome this weakness.
"Without wood afire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down." (Proverbs 26:20)
Now, just because I speak about my faith or quote the Bible, it does not mean I am claiming to be perfect. I too have been guilty of gossip or having evil thoughts in my heart, at some point in my life. I only share information that has helped me overcome struggles in my life. I am by no means sinless, but it is something I strive to be. I want to be someone who lifts others up, not brings them down. I want to inspire others. I want to fulfill the purpose for which our Lord has put me on earth to do.
I love this !
We should T.H.I.N.K before we speak or write! Our tongue is a dangerous weapon.
Well, I guess that is all I have for you today. I hope I have left you with a few things to think about. If I can ever discuss faith or any other topic with you feel free to contact me via here, facebook, or email.
Here are my links:
https://www.facebookdidnt/212208255556419
ohnoshedidnt@gmail.com
I hope this finds you all well! I look forward to hearing your feedback!
God bless,
Audrey
