Week 34/2024
“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 we sometimes need to say hard things, but 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 a couple of years ago 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. He wants us to be light to this dark world and we grieve Him when we resist Him by refusing to allow Him to change us into people reflecting Christ’s love and light. “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
It is easy to see why the Bible is often referred to as the ‘Word of God’ and contains everything we need to know in order to fulfil our destiny. Let’s make a new resolution to be saturated in His Word as Moses told the people long ago in Deuteronomy 6v6: “Talk about God’s Word when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up”.
We trust this message will be a blessing in your life too.
Writings from the late Graeme Greenwood