Words 2

I have to admit that I sometimes use "bad" words. It's a habit I picked up in high school, and is difficult to break. These words usually come out when I'm frustrated or in pain. To tell you the truth, though, I'm not sure that these are really the words that the Bible speaks against. When the Bible talks about swearing, it is referring to taking an oath. The Bible warns against this because breaking an oath is very serious to God. If we make promises, we are to keep them. James 5:12 says "Above all, brothers and sisters, do not swear-not by heaven or by earth. All you need is a simple "yes" or "no." Otherwise you will be condemned." The Bible also warns against gossip. Proverbs 26:20 says "Without wood, a fire goes out; without a gossip, a quarrel dies down." Gossip can be so damaging, but it tends to be something we fall into easily, maybe even making it look like concern for the person. Malice, slander, and other forms of relating to, or speaking to, one another in negative ways show immaturity on our part. 1 Peter 2:1-3 says "Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. 2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, 3 now that you have tasted that the Lord is good." Many times, people hurt each other with their "joking", making fun of someones flaws, physical or otherwise, or being overly critical. As Christians, we do need to be able to correct one another, but we must make sure that our motives are pure, and we're doing it out of love. We tend to compare ourselves to others, and maybe, unconsciously, compete with them, when what we need to do is recognize our own shortcomings and allow God to work on us. We are called to build one another up, and not tear each other down. I think sometimes we talk simply because we are uncomfortable with silence, and sometimes, the more we talk, the more trouble we get into. Here are a couple of quotes that I like: "Better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak and remove all doubt." and "A closed mouth gathers no foot." I've been reminded lately that our struggle is against the Devil, and not other people. We need to stand against him together, instead of fighting against each other. I picture us either standing shoulder to shoulder with our swords drawn against him, or facing each other with our swords drawn, and doing his job for him. Let's not fight and devour one another. We have a common enemy that already wants to do that. 1 Thessalonian 5:11 "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." Words can be used to hurt or heal. Let's choose them wisely.