There is much bitterness and anger in our world today. There is also harsh criticism all around. People feel as though they can say anything to anybody no matter how hurtful the words seem to be and the sad part is they don't seem to know or care how they hurt others. We all remember that phrase that we learned as children which goes, "Sticks and stone may break my bones, but words will never hurt me." It was a nice little thought, but unfortunately it most certainly isn't true because words can hurt us.
There are times when words leave a long lasting scar on our very hearts and our minds. Words do sting and wound. Sometimes people's words will make us avoid them. Sometimes we avoid people because we are afraid that they will say something mean or that they will criticize us again.
There are always going to be unkind, arrogant, self-centered, prideful, and jerky people around in this world in which we find ourselves living. In order to live with them we must remember to watch our words and make sure our speech is always with grace and seasoned with salt. We need to make sure our words build people up and not tear them down.
We need to show people mercy and grace. There are unbelievers around us that don't know the Lord Jesus and they don't know any better then to utter whatever words pop into their heads. Over the years I have had really mean things said to me as I am sure you probably have too. Sometimes those things have been said to me at church. I don't like saying that, but unfortunately it is true.
I had one man recently criticize me for what I said in a prayer that I prayed. This man came up to me at the end of a church service and felt that I needed to know the difference between a Fireman and a Fire Fighter. This gentleman had been one he told me and he wanted to set me straight that a Fireman was someone who stoked the fires on trains and Fire Fighters fight fires. He went on a tirade which seemed to last for several minutes. He really wasn't all that nice about it and it really bothered me deep down inside.
You know the feeling when a seed of bitterness and anger want to form in your heart even though you know it's not right. I felt like retaliating, but I kept my cool and rolled my eyes and shook hands with some else after he left. When I got to my car I ended up praying for the man and for myself as well. I prayed that the Lord would remove the bitterness that was starting to form in my heart against this man and thankfully He did. This man needs to be touched by the Lord in a special way and I hope that he finds out that there is hope in Jesus Christ and that Jesus loves him.
There are many people all around us that are bitter and angry. There are many people who have hardened their hearts towards the Lord and others. We believers in Jesus Christ are called to love the Lord with all of our minds, bodies, and souls. We are also called to love our neighbors as ourselves.
Sometimes it is very hard to love those who are overly critical and mean spirited, but they need Jesus too.
We believers in Jesus Christ must stand firm upon the truth of God's Holy Word and be empowered by the Holy Spirit to spread the Gospel message to the people of this darkened sinful world that so very badly needs to hear it. May our speech be with grace and may we be slow to speak and quick to listen.
Lord,
Help us to handle criticism in a way that honors You.
Help our words be with grace and love.
Empower us by Your Holy Spirit to live for You.
Lead us and guide us.
In Jesus Name we pray,
Amen.
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