Words That Hurt

James 3:10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be…But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. Mat 15:18

Out of frustration and often out of fear words are spoken that hurt and damage the spirit. Harsh words spoken in anger and things said that once out are difficult to take back if at all. These things ought not so to be. They are indicative of a heart that is controlled by fear and reveal the true character of a person. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit fills the heart with love and love will cast out fear and anything that desires to hurt others. The unbeliever who has not been redeemed by God grace will intentionally use malicious words that are indented to cut and hurt, but the believer who is not filled with the Spirit of God is subject to the carnal nature that fights to preserve self. The cure to a polluted fountain is to let the Holy Spirit come and fill the heart with God’s love and take control of self. We overcome evil with good, words of blessing and not cursing.

The Light of Life

John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that follows me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

We live in a world that walks in darkness. Satan has blinded their eyes to the light and they live in darkness. Even many who go to church and profess a form of religion don’t have the light of life living in their heart. They believe in God and follow rules and ritual, but don’t have the light of Jesus. They fear what people may think if they don’t follow all the rules. They fear they will miss heaven if they fail, therefore don’t meet up to the standard of holy living. Living in the light is to follow Jesus in His likeness. Knowing we are vessels of clay and the power of darkness endeavors to suffocate us. But the light in us is able to piece the darkness, shine the light, display the shadows, and cast out the fear that threatens to shut the light out.

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Sing Praises

Act. 16: 25  Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them…

Praise sets the captive free. When we find ourselves between a rock and a hard place, and have exhausted our resources, we can pray and praise our way through. The impact and influence of our lives often will reach beyond our personal hard times. How we face hardships is a witness to unbelievers that we have put our trust in something beyond our own resources. Our attitude and spirit in the times of trouble will be observed by others and will determine if living for Jesus really matters. Complaining about our plight in life does not bring glory to God. Praising God in spite of circumstances demonstrates that God is in control and we our submitted to His perfect will.