Go one step beyond not using abusive language. Instead of trying to just stay neutral in difficult situations, provide words of encouragement. There are many situations in which anger can creep up, such as when your spouse forgets to take out the trash, pay a bill, or pick up eggs from the store. Remember to be patient, understanding and forgiving, and then let your spouse know how much you appreciate them.
Whilst I was reading the devotion, I was thinking about how many relationships have been broken down because of words. Words are powerful.
There’s a saying that goes “sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never heart me”. The majority of us would like to think that it is true, but when we get in a situation where someone verbally abuses us, we realise that the saying isn’t true.
The problem with negative words is that instead of building us up and empowering us, it brings us down.
Our duty as Christians is to build each other up rather than break each other down because Christ was always encouraging and empowering people.
Most of the time, we use abusive language when we are angry with someone and we would like them to change their ways. However if we follow Christ’s teachings, we would realise that Christ didn’t make people change their ways through guilt but rather through repentance.
The biblical definition for repentance is a change of mind that results in a change of action. The change that is being referred to is the change from doing evil (sin) to doing good (righteousness).
You may ask, how do you get to the point that you have changed your mind?
There are two key words, the Sword of the Spirit.
The sword of the Spirit refers to the word of God – Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (Ephesians 6:17).
The Spirit refers to the Spirit of God, also known as the Holy Spirit.
An example of the Sword of the Spirit moving people to repentance is on the day of pentecost. After the disciples spoke to the men of Israel about Jesus dying on the cross and resurrecting for the salvation of the world (word of God), it is written that “they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost”.
So once the Sword of the Spirit leads you to repentance, you are able to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
In summary, let us encourage people to experience that repentance rather than discourage them through negative words.
Comentários