Tags
1 Peter 2:21-25, Colossians 4:5-6, Culture--Versus--Truth, Deuteronomy 32:35, Ephesians 4:13-15, Hebrews 10:30, John 19:10-11, Know Truth--Jesus, Leviticus 19:18, Love IS God!, Proverbs 15:1-4, Psalm 19:14, Psalm 94:1, Revenge or Redemption, Romans 12:17-21, Speaking The Truth In Love, Trendy Or Truth, Truth IS God's standard, Vengeance IS MINE saith The Lord
Bible Ballistics: BBs #711 The Eyes Of The Lord???
“A soft answer turneth away wrath:
but grievous words
stir up anger.
2 The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright:
but the mouth of fools
poureth out foolishness.
3 The eyes of the LORD are in every place,
beholding the evil
and the good.
4 A wholesome tongue
is a tree of life:
but perverseness therein
is a breach in the spirit.” Proverbs 15:1-4
We live in a “media” culture and while it is most convenient to be able to “reach out” and connect with others near and far away, it can be a draw to behave unkindly, arrogantly or even be a “media” bully! Our words matter, and I just want to remind us today that what we say, as well as how we say it, can make a difference. Just because we “know” some miniscule piece of information, doesn’t mean that we have to speak it, write it, or post it to the harm of others. God makes it very clear that we are called to a higher standard than what my mother used to call “gutter talk”! Just because it’s popular, or stylish, or the “phrase-of-the-day”, doesn’t mean that it ought to come out of my mouth; and it certainly doesn’t need to be made public to “prove our point” or to “set the record straight”! Dirty laundry doesn’t gain any appeal when hung in public! God speaks to these issues!
“Recompense to no man
evil for evil.
Provide things honest
in the sight of all men.
18 If it be possible,
as much as lieth in you,
live peaceably with all men.
19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves,
but rather give place unto wrath:
for it is written,
Vengeance is mine;
I will repay,
saith the Lord.
20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger,
feed him;
if he thirst,
give him drink:
for in so doing
thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
21 Be not overcome
of evil,
but overcome evil
with good.” Romans 12:17-21
We seem to have forgotten that “our God reigns” and our job is to “speak the truth in love” not spew out vengeance to justify our own thoughts and decisions. What is your/my standard of response to others—be they close or distant?
Jesus gave the ultimate answer to Pilate as He approached His own death on the cross. Jesus knew WHO was in charge and why HE had come!
“Then saith Pilate unto him,
Speakest thou not unto me?
knowest thou not
that I have power
to crucify thee,
and have power
to release thee?
11 Jesus answered,
Thou couldest have no power at all
against me,
except it were given thee
from above:
therefore he that delivered me
unto thee
hath the greater sin.” John 19:10-11
Peter helps us understand the reality of Jesus’ response.
“For even hereunto were ye called:
because Christ also suffered
for us,
leaving us an example,
that ye should follow his steps:
22 Who did no sin,
neither was guile
found in his mouth:
23 Who,
when he was reviled,
reviled not again;
when he suffered,
he threatened not;
but committed himself
to him
that judgeth righteously:
24 Who
his own self bare our sins
in his own body
on the tree,
that we,
being dead to sins,
should live unto righteousness:
by whose stripes ye were healed.
25 For ye were as sheep going astray;
but are now returned
unto the Shepherd
and Bishop of your souls.” 1 Peter 2:21-25
So, my simple question today is: who is in control of your mouth? The culture or The Lord God Almighty? To whom are you trusting your difficulties? Your own wit, wisdom and ability to cut others down? Or will you trust to God’s wise and loving Holy Spirit to grant you/me the words to speak. I’ll simply leave you with some scriptures to ponder this week.
“Till we all come in the unity of the faith,
and of the knowledge of the Son of God,
unto a perfect man,
unto the measure of the stature
of the fulness of Christ:
14 That we henceforth be no more children,
tossed to and fro,
and carried about
with every wind of doctrine,
by the sleight of men,
and cunning craftiness,
whereby they lie in wait
to deceive;
15 But speaking the truth in love,
may grow up into him
in all things,
which is the head,
even Christ:” Ephesians 4:13-15
“Walk in wisdom
toward them that are without,
redeeming the time.
6 Let your speech be alway
with grace,
seasoned with salt,
that ye may know
how ye ought to answer
every man.” Colossians 4:5-6
And in regard to vengeance—God speaks clearly:
“Thou shalt not avenge,
nor bear any grudge against
the children of thy people,
but thou shalt love thy neighbour
as thyself:
I am the LORD.” Leviticus 19:18
“To me belongeth vengeance,
and recompence;
their foot shall slide
in due time:
for the day of their calamity
is at hand,
and the things that shall come upon them
make haste.” Deuteronomy 32:35
“For we know him that hath said,
Vengeance belongeth unto me,
I will recompense,
saith the Lord.
And again,
The Lord shall judge his people.” Hebrews 10:30
And in conclusion, a word from the Psalmist.
“O LORD God,
to whom vengeance belongeth;
O God,
to whom vengeance belongeth,
shew thyself.” Psalm 94:1
May God open our eyes to see what HE sees. May we say with the Psalmist:
“Let the words of my mouth,
and the meditation of my heart,
be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD,
my strength, and my redeemer.” Psalm 19:14
Amen and Amen!!!