Key Verse:
But if you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of destroying one another. Galatians 5:15 (NLT)
Several years ago, the Washington Nationals made a trade for a new closer. He was a great closer, but he was not a great teammate. His angry attitude, gestures, and words would quickly escalate from verbal to physical altercations between him and opponents, umpires, and teammates. Suspensions and fines were given, but the attitude did not improve. Fans actually offered to pay thousands of dollars to the charity of choice if the Nationals would let him go. He asked to be released from his contract the following year, and the Nationals released him despite the amount they still owed on his contract.
A few years later, a one-year contract was signed with another player who brought his golden glove and a great attitude to the team. He was always smiling and speaking encouragement to those around him. Whenever interviewed, he spoke highly of his teammates, their abilities, and how much they meant to him. He initiated celebration over good plays and spoke kindly about errors or disappointing at bats. The fans loved him and fun was always part of every game.
Both attitudes were contagious, but they were not both beneficial. One nearly crippled the team while the other ignited the team’s energy and desire to keep giving their all.
What does any of this have to do with us as Jesus-followers? I think it has everything to do with what Paul was addressing in Galatians. We must be alert to the way we speak to and about others or we will disable them.
God’s written word, the Bible, is filled with admonishment about the power of words. Reminders contrasting critical words with kind words. Encouraging words with discouraging words. We’re told to speak words that give grace to those who hear them. Why? Grace actually strengthens us in times of weakness.
Yes! If grace is sufficient for strengthening our weaknesses, then speaking grace is very important!
What we say is important! What we listen to is important!
Even the words we speak to ourselves are important!
Any word you and I believe about ourselves will influence our actions. Why? Because every action comes from who we believe ourselves to be.
What we believe about our identity will either enable us our disable us.
This week:
1 Pay close attention to what God says about those who belong to Him, those who are IN Christ, when you read your Bible.
2 Be alert to the words you speak to others. Do your words encourage others to believe what God says about who they are? Do your words tear others down or build them up?
3 Be alert to the words others speak to you. Are they truth according to God’s word? If not, do not repeat them to yourself, but replace them with truth.
Digging Deeper:
John 8:32, Romans 8:1-2, 2 Corinthians 12:9, Ephesians 4:29, Colossians 2:2, 1 Thessalonians 5:10-11, 1 Thessalonians 5:14-15 & Hebrews 12:12-13
If you have not yet met Jesus, you can meet Him today. He created you. He loves you. He wants you to be a part of His family. I encourage you to step into the life He created you to live. You will still have the troubles of this world, but you will no longer be facing them alone. I’m praying for you! https://peacewithgod.net/mobile/?utm_source=Microsoft&utm_medium=CPC&utm_term=HowToGoToHeaven&utm_campaign=USPWGMobileSearchMic
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, a Division of Tyndale House Ministries, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.