by P. Hulsey | Dec 31, 2014 | blog, G, T, TOPICS
TRINITY OF GOD
DEFINITION: The Bible reveals that God is one, with three distinct natures, each with different functions. This concept is known as the Trinity of God–meaning three distinct persons, yet a single being who is one.
FACTS ABOUT THE TRINITY OF GOD:
God has a triune nature. This means He has three distinct personalities–God the Father, the Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. The three are one God, with different functions (Deuteronomy 6:4).
Scriptures that verify the triune nature of God. John the Baptist speaks of it at the time of the baptism of Christ (Matthew 3:16-17). Prior to returning to God and Heaven, Jesus spoke of sending the Holy Spirit (John 15:26). The Apostle Peter spoke of the triune nature of God (1 Peter 4:14), as did the Apostle Paul (Romans 8:2-3; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Ephesians 2:18). The book of Acts also verifies the triune nature of God (Acts 2:33).
A natural example that best illustrates the Trinity of God is an egg which is composed of the shell, the white, and the yolk. Each have different functions: The shell can be decorated. The white whipped into meringue topping, the yolk can be hard-boiled–but it is still one egg.
The Trinity of God is eternal. This means God has no beginning or end (Psalm 90:1-2). The eternal nature of God is best illustrated by a circle. A perfect circle has no visible starting point or ending point, yet it exists.
The Trinity of God is a spirit. This means God is without flesh and blood and therefore invisible to the natural eyes of man (John 4:24).
The Trinity of God is the sovereign, almighty power over all the universe (Ephesians l and Romans 9).
The Trinity of God is omnipresent, meaning God is present everywhere (2 Chronicles 16:9; Proverbs 15:3; Psalm 139:7-8; Isaiah 66:1).
The Trinity of God is omniscient, meaning He knows all things (Psalm 139:4; 1 John 3:20; Hebrews 4:13).
The Trinity of God is omnipotent, meaning He is all powerful (Genesis 17:1; Matthew 19:26; Revelation 19:6; Psalm 62:11).
The Trinity of God does not change. He does not change His basic nature, person, or purpose (Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8).
The Trinity of God is holy. He is sinless and never sinned (Leviticus 19:2).
The Trinity of God is just, meaning He is fair and impartial in judgment (Deuteronomy 32:4).
The Trinity of God is faithful. He keeps His promises and is absolutely trustworthy (2 Timothy 2:13).
The Trinity of God is benevolent. He is good, kind, and desires your welfare (Psalms 145:9).
The Trinity of God is merciful. He shows mercy to sinful mankind (Exodus 34:6-7).
The Trinity of God is gracious. He shows undeserved kindness to sinful man (Psalms 145:8).
The Trinity of God is love. He extends His love to you and through you (1 John 4:8).
The Trinity of God is wise. God shows understanding and keen discernment. He created the world by His wisdom (Proverbs 3:19).
The Trinity of God is infinite. He is not subject to natural and human limitations or the limitations of space or time (1 Kings 8:27; Exodus 15:18).
DEALING WITH THE TRINITY OF GOD:
Accept and acknowledge the work of the Trinity in your life. God the Father wants you to accept Jesus Christ, His Son, as your Savior. When you do this, your sins are forgiven and you are given eternal life and the gift of the Holy Spirit of God.
Study more about the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. They all have additional names in scripture, and numerous functions. Study more about these in the Harvestime International Network publications “Spiritual Strategies: A Manual Of Spiritual Warfare” and “The Ministry Of The Holy Spirit” available at http://www.harvestime.org
WHAT GOD’S WORD SAYS ABOUT THE TRINITY OF GOD:
Then God said, “Let us make man in our image…” (Genesis 1:26)
Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. (Deuteronomy 6:4)
As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:16-17
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. (John 3:16-18)
Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The miracles I do in my Father’s name speak for me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.” (John 10:25-30)
“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever–the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.” (John 14:16-20)
“When the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me.” (John 15:26)
God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact. Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. (Acts 2:32-33)
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man, in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit. (Romans 8:1-4)
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. (2 Corinthians 13:14)
For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.
(Ephesians 2:14-18)
We know that we live in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. (1 John 4:13-16)
by P. Hulsey | Dec 31, 2014 | blog, G, P, TOPICS
PURPOSE AND GOALS
DEFINITION: A sense of purpose is having a resolve and plan to accomplish a goal or objective. For a believer, purposes and goals are actually “faith statements” of what they believe God wants them to accomplish through their lives in the future.
FACTS ABOUT PURPOSE AND GOALS:
Every believer is a steward of resources. God has given you talents, spiritual gifts, abilities, material resources, and finances. It is required that you are faithful in managing these resources.
Purpose helps you understand your part in God’s plan. You will know specifically what God wants you to do with your life and ministry.
Goals help you properly manage your resources to accomplish your purpose. Knowing your purpose and formulating goals to reach that purpose permit you to properly manage the resources with which God entrusts you.
Jesus knew His purpose and goals. He said: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor” (Luke 4:18-19).
Jesus encouraged planning. To illustrate this, He used an example of building, saying that one should make sure they have proper resources to finish before beginning. He also used the example of a ruler going to war who wisely prepares before the battle (Luke 14:28-32).
Goals have positive benefits. Planning permits you to establish priorities for your life and ministry, make proper decisions, and act rather than react to circumstances. Setting goals makes you accountable for your resources, permits wise use of what you possess, eliminates confusion, and provides standards by which to evaluate your progress.
Goals are faith statements. The Holy Spirit within has the mind of God and reveals God’s plans and purposes to you. When you pray, study God’s Word, and plan under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, it is a productive spiritual activity that results in faith statements concerning what you plan to do with the help of the Lord.
Plans fail because of lack of vision, lack of training, improper use of resources, lack of prayer, unclear plans, fear, doubt, procrastination, slothfulness, and disobedience. People also fail to revise plans as necessary and fail to learn from experience. Plans also fail because of lack of attention to detail, lack of leadership, and inadequate funding and workers. You never truly fail, however, until you stop trying, and it is always too soon to quit!
When you aim at nothing, you hit it every time! If you have no purpose or goals, you will achieve nothing.
DEALING WITH PURPOSE AND GOALS:
Pray for direction regarding your specific purpose in God’s plan and the goals to set to achieve that purpose. Always make sure your plans are in harmony with God’s will.
Write out your purpose and goals. The prophet Habakkuk said to “write the vision and make it plain” (Habakkuk 2:2). David wrote out the plans for the tabernacle. He said: “All this,” David said, “I have in writing from the hand of the Lord upon me, and he gave me understanding in all the details of the plan.” (1 Chronicles 28:19).
Clearly state your goals. State what you are going to do, how you are going to do it, and by when it should be accomplished. If your goals require finances, include a plan as to how these will be obtained. By clearly stating your goals, you can evaluate whether or not you achieve them and how they contribute to your specific purpose.
Organize your goals. Some will be immediate goals, while others will be long-range goals. For example, if you want to go to Mexico as a medical missionary, that is a long-term plan. Some short-term goals to achieve that purpose would be to study Spanish, take medical classes, raise support, gather supplies, etc.
Be flexible and open to change. The Apostle Paul planned to go to Asia, but was redirected by the Holy Spirit to go to Macedonia (Acts 16:7-10). God’s plans and purposes may be different than what you think, so be open to His divine appointments and adjustments to your schedule.
Evaluate your goals. Did you do what you said you would do? Do you need to adjust the goals you have or set new ones? You may need to change the completion date, readjust the budget, or change the short-term steps leading to the long-term goal.
Acknowledge the sovereignty of God. Make your plans acknowledging that “if it is God’s will” you will accomplish them. (James 4:13-15). The Bible is clear that: “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps” (Proverbs 16:9).
Realize that planning is a continuous cycle. Throughout life, you should continue to make plans by faith and set and adjust goals to accomplish your divine purpose.
WHAT GOD’S WORD SAYS ABOUT PURPOSE AND GOALS:
“All this,” David said, “I have in writing from the hand of the Lord upon me, and he gave me understanding in all the details of the plan.” (1 Chronicles 28:19)
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. (Psalm 119:105)
The Lord will fulfill [his purpose] for me; your love, O Lord, endures forever–do not abandon the works of your hands. (Psalm 138:8)
Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. (Proverbs 16:3)
In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps. (Proverbs 16:9)
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
The Lord Almighty has sworn, “Surely, as I have planned, so it will be, and as I have purposed, so it will stand.” (Isaiah 14:24)
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord,” they are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11 TLB)
Then the Lord replied: “Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it.” (Habakkuk 2:2)
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor” (Luke 4:18-19)
Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, saying, ‘This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.’ Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Will he not first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace. (Luke 4:28-32)
If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work. (1 Corinthians 3:12-13)
But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way. (1 Corinthians 14:40)
…Live purposefully and worthily and accurately…Making the very most of the time–buying up each opportunity–because the days are evil. (Ephesians 5:15-16, AMP)
Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” (James 4:13-15)
Study further on planning:
-In Genesis l-3, God planned all creation, made plans for man, and revealed His plan for salvation.
-Noah made plans to build the ark: Genesis 6.
-Abraham set objectives for his servant, Eleazar: Genesis 24.
-Joseph planned for the years of famine: Genesis 41.
-Moses was given a plan to deliver Israel from slavery: Exodus 3-6.
-The plan for the tabernacle was quite detailed: Exodus 24:12-40:38.
-In the book of Numbers, plans are made to number the people (1:1-54) and arrange the camp (2:1-34).
-Joshua made detailed plans to lead Israel to conquer and divide their promised land: Book of Joshua.
-In the book of Judges, God gave numerous plans for deliverance.
-Ruth followed the plan of Naomi in regards to Boaz: Book of Ruth.
-David prepared to kill the giant: 1 Samuel 17.
-King Hezekiah prepared plans to unify Israel, repair the temple, and build a water system for Jerusalem: 2 Chronicles 28-31; 2 Kings 16-20.
-Nehemiah made plans to rebuild the wall: Book of Nehemiah.
-The Old Testament prophets revealed God’s plans for the nations.
-Jesus: The Gospels are filled with statements made by Jesus about His purpose and plans to fulfill God’s will for His life and ministry. Jesus also communicated this
purpose and plans to His followers and to all believers in general.
-The Apostle Paul made plans: If he had no plans then the Holy Spirit could not have
changed them as indicated in Acts 16:6-10.
-The book of Revelation reveals God’s plans for the future.
Read about planning in the book of Proverbs. See Proverbs 13:16; 14:8; 15:22; 16:3,9; 24:3-4; 29:18.
Jesus had a clear understanding of His part in God’s purpose and plans. Study the following references:
Matthew: 5:17; 8:3,7; 9:13; 10:34-35; 13:41-42; 15:24; 18:11,20; 19:28-29; 20:18-19,28; 21:13; 24:35; 25:31; 26:24,29,32,39,64
Mark: 1:38; 2:17; 10:33-34,45; 14:21
Luke: 2:49; 4:18-19,43; 5:32; 9:22,56; 11:49; 12:51; 13:32-33; 19:5,10; 22:37,69; 24:44,46-47
John: 3:16-17; 4:34; 5:30,43; 6:37-40,51; 7:16,33; 8:26,29,49-50; 9:4, 38-39; 10:10,16-18; 12:24-27,32,46,49-50; 13:5; 14:2,16-18; 18:36; 16:12,22,25; 18:37; 12:24-27; Study all of John chapter 17 as it communicates much about His purpose.
Study the purposes established for followers of Jesus.
Matthew: 7:33; 9:37-38; 10:7-8,38-39; 16:24-25; 28:18-20
Mark: 1:17; 16:15-18; 8:34-35
Luke: 5:10; 9:2; 10:2-9; 12:29; 14:26-27,33; 22:29; 24:46-49
John: 4:35; 6:27; 15:16; 20:21
Acts: 1:4-5,8
(For further instruction regarding purpose and goals, obtain the Harvestime International Network publication entitled “Management By Objectives” available at: http://www.harvestime.org)
by P. Hulsey | Dec 31, 2014 | blog, G, TOPICS
GUILT
DEFINITION: Guilt is a feeling of wrongdoing, sinfulness, and a failure to measure up that arises from your conscience. It is the discernment and ability to evaluate your conduct in terms of what is right or wrong.
FACTS ABOUT GUILT:
There are two types of guilt. True guilt and false guilt. For a believer, true guilt results from breaking God’s law and is a justified emotion. Sorrow, which arises from real guilt, leads to repentance (2 Corinthians 7:10). False guilt–unmerited guilty feelings–occur because of unjustified accusations by Satan who brings up past sins that have already been forgiven by God.
True guilt results from sins of commission and omission. Sins of commission are wrong things you do. A sin of omission is when you know the right thing to do but do not do it (James 4:17).
True guilt is a positive emotion. Feelings of guilt over doing wrong lead you to repent and confess your sin. Godly sorrow–which is also called guilt–leads to repentance (2 Corinthians 7:10).
False guilt is a tool of the enemy. Satan will bring up past sins and failures and try to instill false guilt. But the Bible declares that there is no condemnation to those in Christ who have received Jesus as Savior and had their sins forgiven (Romans 8:1).
Guilt results in negative physical and emotional reactions. Unrequited guilt affects your emotions, which ultimately causes stress which can lead to stress-related physical and mental conditions. It can cause you to be critical of and constantly blame others and gives rise to feelings of unworthiness and/or shame.
DEALING WITH GUILT:
Do not try to cover your sin. Adam tried to deal with guilt by blaming Eve. Eve tried to blame the serpent. You will not prosper by covering you sin (Proverbs 28:13). Confess your sin to God, ask forgiveness, and ask Him to remove the guilt you are feeling.
Reject false guilt. When Satan tries to cause guilt over your past sins, remember that these sins have been forgiven and forgotten by God (Psalm 103:12). Since God does not remember them, who are you to do so (Jeremiah 31:34)? Pray that God will give you a conscience that is clear before God and man (Acts 24:16). Immediately reject all attempts of the enemy to plague you with false guilt.
WHAT GOD’S WORD SAYS ABOUT GUILT:
Read how the Prophet Nathan confronted King David regarding the sin that resulted in his justified guilt (2 Samuel 11-12:25). Read how David dealt with his guilt in Psalm 51.
Forgive my hidden faults. (Psalm 19:12)
Remember not the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways. (Psalm 25:7)
Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. (Psalm 32:1)
Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord” – and you forgave the guilt of my sin. (Psalm 32:5)
My guilt has overwhelmed me like a burden too heavy to bear. (Psalm 38:4)
I am troubled by my sin. (Psalm 38:18)
Save me from all my transgressions. (Psalm 39:8)
When we were overwhelmed by sins, you forgave our transgressions. (Psalm 65:3)
If you, O Lord, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness. (Psalm 130:3-4)
… as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.(Psalm 103:12)
He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy. (Proverbs 28:13)
Though our sins be like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are as red as crimson, they shall be like wool. (Isaiah 1:18)
I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more. (Isaiah 43:25)
I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you. (Isaiah 44:22)
We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. (Isaiah 53:6)
“For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” (Jeremiah 31:34)
It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners. (Mark 2:17)
But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: (John 1:12)
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. (John 8:36)
So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man. (Acts 24:16)
What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? (Romans 6:1-2)
You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness. (Romans 6:18)
I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do–this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! (Romans 7:18-25)
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. (Romans 8:1-2)
…Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. (Romans 10:13)
You were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. (1 Corinthians 6:11)
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. (2 Corinthians 7:10)
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace. (Ephesians 1:7)
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God–not by works, so that no one can boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:13-14)
Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin. (James 4:17)
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives. (1 John 1:8-10)
by P. Hulsey | Dec 31, 2014 | blog, G, TOPICS
GRIEF
(Bereavement And Sorrow)
DEFINITIONS: Grief is intense emotional suffering caused by personal loss or tragedies of life. Bereavement is sorrow caused by the loss of a loved one.
FACTS ABOUT GRIEF:
Bereavement is part of life. The Bible says that it is appointed to man to die (Hebrews 9:27). Even the great prophet Elisha–who did many miracles of healing–finally became sick and died (2 Kings 13:14). Bereavement, tragedies, and other losses are part of life. You will experience them if you live very long in this world. You need not fear death, because Jesus conquered it through His own death and resurrection (Hebrews 2:14-15). As a believer, you have eternal life.
God never intended grief, bereavement, and sorrow. These all came into the world because of the original sin of Adam and Eve in the garden (Acts 3). All the losses you experience are due to sin–not necessarily your personal sin–but because of the presence of sin in the world.
Psychologists have identified stages of grief over loss to include the initial shock of a grief-causing event; emotional release through weeping; feelings of regret that one should have done more or done something differently; anger because of the loss; and a period of inertia when one doesn’t care to go on or think they can do so. Psychologists say that the grieving period varies. It is longer for some, shorter for others.
But the Bible says that Jesus bore your grief and sorrow. It may be normal for you to experience the stages of grief, but it is not really necessary. The Bible says Jesus was not only familiar–acquainted with grief–but that He bore your grief and sorrow (Isaiah 53:3-5). Jesus bore your sin so that you no longer have to bear it. If He also bore your grief and sorrow, why are you bearing it? Yes–there is a time to mourn over losses, but extended grief is different than experiencing sorrow from a loss. The Bible says you are blessed if you mourn–not because you remain sad, but because the Holy Spirit comforts you: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted” (Matthew 5:4). Jesus carried both your grief and sorrow so that you do not have to do so. He wants to give you the garment of praise for the spirit of mourning (Isaiah 61:3).
Unrequited grief and sorrow manifests in different ways. Unrequited grief can affect you physically, mentally, and spiritually. If you do not cast your grief on Jesus, it may lead to anger, withdrawal, depression, etc.
Grief and sorrow can obscure your recognition of God’s presence. We are sometimes blinded spiritually by our sorrow and preoccupied by grief and despair. Mary did not recognize Jesus at the tomb because of her intense grief. Jacob cried out in grief: “All these things are against me” (Genesis 42:36), not realizing every sorrow he experienced was leading him to a glorious destiny. God still comes to you in the garden of your sorrows. There are angels in the tomb–the graves of your lost dream, your lost loved one, the sorrow your disappointments. Grief and sorrow over failed ambitions, bad health, fleeting youth, negative circumstances–all of these can obscure your recognition of God’s presence.
Errant spiritual decisions cause grief and sorrow. The rich young man who refused to put all he had into the hands of Jesus went away “sorrowing” (Mark 10:22). Sometimes the root of unrequited grief and sorrow is spiritual–a refusal to surrender some aspect of our lives, abilities, possessions, family, friends, or losses into the hands of the Lord.
The loss of a child is particularly devastating. Although we cannot know why a child died, we know that children are precious to God (Matthew 19:14). We also know that they go immediately into the presence of the Lord and that, as believers, we will be reunited with them again someday. When King David’s son died, he declared “…I shall go to him..” (2 Samuel 12:23).
DEALING WITH GRIEF:
Do not try to find reasons for your losses. This was the original sin–wanting to know. Eve wanted to become as God and know all things (Genesis 3). The reasons for some things will be revealed, others will not. You must learn that the secret things belong to the Lord (Deuteronomy 29:29).
Ignore clichés about death, sorrow, and grief. For example: “God needed another angel in Heaven”–which is not only inaccurate, but not at all comforting to the one who lost a loved one. Or “Maybe God took him because he might have not continued to follow the Lord”–again, not comforting and casts aspersions on a loved one’s spiritual experience.
Release your feelings to God. If you feel guilty because you did something wrong or could have done something more for a loved one, confess it to God, ask forgiveness. If feelings of guilt try to manifest again, reject them in the name of the Lord. Believe that you did the best possible given your mental, emotional, and spiritual state during difficult times. If you are angry about a loss, confess it to God. Ask God to heal your emotions. Know that the feelings you are experiencing are common in times of loss, but that it is not necessary for you to continue suffering from these because God is able to heal them.
Call upon the Comforter. One of the purposes of the Holy Spirit is to comfort in times of grief and sorrow. When you are overwhelmed with grief, call upon the Holy Spirit to come and fulfill His purpose of supernatural comfort (John 14:6). As a believer, the Comforter is resident within you. He is always available in your times of need. You are not alone. The Lord is near those whose hearts are broken (Psalm 34:18).
Focus on eternal things. As a believer, you have the hope of the resurrection and of seeing your lost loved ones again (John 11:25-26). The words in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 are supernaturally charged to bring you comfort. For a believer, death is not final. It is a new beginning. Your soul and spirit will go to be with God until Jesus returns. Focus on God, eternity, and the promises in the Word of God. Place your hope in God (Psalm 43:5).
Know that all things are working together for your good. God takes all things–even the bad things, the losses, and sorrows–and weaves them together for good in the fabric of your life (Romans 8:28).
WHAT GOD’S WORD SAYS ABOUT GRIEF:
The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever… (Deuteronomy 29:29)
Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10)
You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. (Psalm 30:11-12)
Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and my body with grief. (Psalm 31:9)
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:18)
Why are you downcast, 0 my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. (Psalm 43:5)
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints. (Psalm 116:15)
My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word. (Psalm 119:28)
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. (Psalm 147:3)
A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit. (Proverbs 15:13)
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. (Proverbs 17:22)
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die … a time to weep and a time to laugh … a time to mourn and a time to dance… (Ecclesiastes 3:1-4)
Death is the destiny of every man; the living should take this to heart. (Ecclesiastes 7:2)
Sorrow is better than laughter, For by a sad countenance the heart is made better. The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, But the heart of fools is in the house of mirth. (Ecclesiastes 7:3-4, NKJV)
The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears from all faces. (Isaiah 25:8)
The ransomed of the Lord will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.(Isaiah 51:11)
He is despised and rejected by men, A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities;The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. (Isaiah 53:3-5)
The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion–to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. (Isaiah 61:3)
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. (Matthew 5:4)
Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. (Luke 6:21)
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.” (John 11:25-26)
Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. (John 14:1-3)
And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever.(John 14:16)
But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:26-27)
I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. (John 16:20)
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)
For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living. (Romans 14:9)
Then the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” (1 Corinthians 15:54)
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. (2 Corinthians 1:3-5)
Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. We live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. (2 Corinthians 5:1-9)
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. (Philippians 1:21-23)
Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord’s own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words. (I Thessalonians 4:13-18)
Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death–that is, the devil—and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. (Hebrews 2:14-15)
Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him. (Hebrews 9:27-28)
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade–kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith–of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire–may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.(1 Peter 1:3-4)
And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Revelation 21:3-4)
(See also the topics of “Suffering” and “Death” in this database.)
by P. Hulsey | Dec 31, 2014 | blog, G, TOPICS
GREED
DEFINITION: Greed is an overwhelming desire to have more of something than is actually needed, especially in regards to possessions and wealth.
FACTS ABOUT GREED:
Money is not evil. It is the love of money and the greed associated with it that is evil.
(1 Timothy 6:10). You are commanded to keep your life free from the love of money (Hebrews 13:5).
Greed is a trait of the ungodly. In Romans 1:29-30, the Apostle Paul describes characteristics of ungodly people. Greed is listed as one of the traits.
Greed enslaves a person. Jesus said you cannot serve God and money. You must choose one or the other as the master you will serve (Matthew 6:24).
Greed causes division. Arguments, contention, and division all arise from evil, selfish, greedy desires (James 4:1-3).
Greed affects your prayer life. The Bible says you do not receive if you ask for greedy, selfish motives (James 4:1-3).
One qualification for church leadership is that a person should not be greedy (1 Timothy 3:3, 8).
Greed is a sign that you love the world. The Bible commands you not to love the world, nor the things that are in the world–including money and possessions (1 John 2:15-16).
DEALING WITH GREED:
Ask God to forgive your greed. Repent of your love of money, your desire to have more and more material things, and of coveting the possessions of others.
Learn to be content with what you have. Paul told Timothy that godliness with contentment was great gain (1 Timothy 6:4-10). Jesus told the soldiers to be content with their wages (Luke 3:14). Paul said he had learned to be content–confirming that contentment is a learned behavior (Philippians 4:11). Hebrews 13:5 says to be content with what you have.
Focus on eternal rather than material things. The psalmist said that he focused on the Word of God instead of selfish gain (Psalm 119:36).
Practice giving instead of hording. Make it a habit to give of your resources–both possessions and money–to those who are less fortunate. A good practice is that when you get something new–like a new dress or suit–give one you have away to others. This practice will help you guard against greed and selfish hording.
WHAT GOD’S WORD SAYS ABOUT GREED:
In his arrogance the wicked man hunts down the weak, who are caught in the schemes he devises. He boasts of the cravings of his heart; he blesses the greedy and reviles the Lord.(Psalm 10:2-3)
Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. (Psalm 119:36)
A greedy man brings trouble to his family. (Proverbs 15:27)
He who oppresses the poor to increase his wealth and he who gives gifts to the rich–both come to poverty. (Proverbs 22:16)
Death and Destruction are never satisfied, and neither are the eyes of man. (Proverbs 27:20)
A greedy man stirs up dissension, but he who trusts the Lord will prosper. (Proverbs 28:25)
Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind. (Ecclesiastes 4:6)
As goods increase, so do those who consume them. And what benefit are they to the owner except to feast his eyes on them? (Ecclesiastes 5:11)
Naked a man comes from his mother’s womb, and as he comes, so he departs. He takes nothing from his labor that he can carry in his hand. (Ecclesiastes 5:15)
All man’s efforts are for his mouth, yet his appetite is never satisfied. (Ecclesiastes 6:7)
No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.(Matthew 6:24)
So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:31-33)
Then some soldiers asked him, “And what should we do?” He replied, “Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely–be content with your pay.” (Luke 3:14)
Watch out! Be on guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions. (Luke 12:15)
Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them. (Romans 1:29-30)
Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:11-12)
…he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself. Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. (1 Timothy 6:4-10, NKJV)
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)
What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don’t get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. (James 4:1-3)
Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming upon you. Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days. Look! The wages you failed to pay the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. You have condemned and murdered innocent men, who were not opposing you.(James 5:1-6)
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world–the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does–comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever. (1 John 2:15-16)
(See also “Covetousness” and “Envy And Jealousy” in this database.)
by P. Hulsey | Dec 31, 2014 | blog, G, TOPICS
GOSSIP
DEFINITION: Gossip is sharing private information with those who are not part of the circumstances, problem, or solution. It includes idle talk, spreading rumors, or outright slander about someone.
FACTS ABOUT GOSSIP:
Gossip is not limited to spreading information. It includes improper involvement in another person’s affairs–what the Bible calls busybodies (1 Timothy 5:13). Gossip is spreading rumors and making false accusations about someone, and it causes division and confusion.
Gossip is sin. The Bible commands: “You shall not go about as a talebearer among your people; nor shall you take a stand against the life of your neighbor: I am the Lord” (Leviticus 19:16, NKJV).
Associating with a person who gossips is sin. The Bible says: “He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets; therefore associate not with him who talks too freely” (Proverbs 20:19, AMP)
Your tongue is unruly. It is compared to a fire (James 3:5); a burning fire (Proverbs 16:27); a world of iniquity (James 3:6); a beast that needs taming (James 3:7-8); a fountain of either fresh or bitter water (James 3:11); a tree bearing either good or evil fruit (James 3:12); an unruly evil (James 3:8); deadly poison (James 3:8); a sharp razor (Psalms 52:2); a sharp sword (Psalms 57:4; 59:7); a poisonous serpent (Psalms 140:3); a deep pit (Proverbs 22:14).
DEALING WITH GOSSIP:
Repent of the sin of gossip. Whether you have been spreading gossip or listening to it, ask God to forgive you.
Ask God to set a watch before your mouth. Pray the prayer of the psalmist: “Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips” (Psalm 141:3).
Ask forgiveness of anyone whose reputation has been harmed by the gossip you have spread.
In the future, before speaking, ask these questions:
-Will what I am about to say bring glory to God?
-Is it the truth?
-Is it fair to all concerned?
-Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
-Will it edify others?
-Have I talked to the person I am talking about?
-Is what I am saying a fact that needs to be shared or is it based on rumors and does not need to be said?
-Is it absolutely necessary that I share this?
Separate yourself from those who gossip. “Stay away from a foolish man, for you will not find knowledge on his lips” (Proverbs 14:7). Do not hang out with them and allow them to pour their tidbits of gossip into your spirit. “A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man who talks too much” (Proverbs 20:19). The Bible says to warn a divisive person, then separate from them if they do not listen (Titus 3:10-11).
WHAT GOD’S WORD SAYS ABOUT GOSSIP:
You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor. (Exodus 20:16)
Do not spread false reports. Do not help a wicked man by being a malicious witness. (Exodus 23:1)
Do not go about spreading slander among your people. (Leviticus 19:16)
Not a word from their mouth can be trusted; their heart is filled with destruction. Their throat is an open grave; with their tongue they speak deceit. (Psalm 5:9)
Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. (Proverbs 12:18)
The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly. (Proverbs 15:2)
A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends. (Proverbs 16:28)
He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends. (Proverbs 17:9)
A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered. Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue. (Proverbs 17:27-28)
The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man’s inmost parts.(Proverbs 18:8)
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer. (Psalms 19:14, KJV)
He that goeth about as a tale-bearer revealeth secrets; Therefore company not with him that openeth wide his lips. (Proverbs 20:19 NAS)
Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies. (Psalms 34:13)
I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me. (Psalms 39:1, KJV)
My enemies say of me in malice, “When will he die and his name perish?” Whenever one comes to see me, he speaks falsely, while his heart gathers slander; then he goes out and spreads it abroad. (Psalm 41:5-6)
You love every harmful word, Oh you deceitful tongue! (Psalm 52:4)
Whoever slanders his neighbor in secret, him will I put to silence. (Psalm 101:5)
Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips. (Psalm 141:3)
Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. (Proverbs 4:24)
Hear; For I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things. For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips. All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them. (Proverbs 8:6-8, KJV)
…Whoever spreads slander is a fool. (Proverbs 10:18)
With his mouth the godless destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge the righteous escape. (Proverbs 11:9)
A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret. (Proverbs 11:13)
A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends. (Proverbs 16:28)
A wicked man listens to evil lips; a liar pays attention to malicious tongue. (Proverbs 17:4)
He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends. (Proverbs 17:9)
A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man who talks too much. (Proverbs 20:19)
The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man’s inmost parts. (Proverbs 18:8)
The mouth of the wicked gulps down evil. (Proverbs 19:28)
A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man who talks too much. (Proverbs 20:19)
Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down. (Proverbs 26:20)
Do not let your mouth lead you into sin…(Ecclesiastes 5:6)
Do not pay attention to every word people say. (Ecclesiastes 7:21)
Their tongue is a deadly arrow; it speaks with deceit. With his mouth each speaks cordially to his neighbor, but in his heart he sets a trap for him. (Jeremiah 9:8)
Men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned. (Matthew 12:36-37)
Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them. (Romans 1:29-30)
You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things (Romans 2:1)
The poison of vipers is on their lips. Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness. (Romans 3:13-14)
For I fear lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I wish, and that I shall be found by you such as you do not wish; lest there be contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, backbitings, whisperings, conceits, tumults. (2 Corinthians 12:20, NKJV)
Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. (Ephesians 4:29, KJV)
Let all…evil speaking be put away from you…(Ephesians 4:31, KJV)
But now also put off…filthy communication out of your mouth. (Colossians 3:8, NKJV)
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:17)
Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. (1 Timothy 4:12)
And not only do they become idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying things they ought not to. (1 Timothy 5:13)
Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men. (Titus 3:1-2)
Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him. You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.(Titus 3:10-11)
Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you–who are you to judge your neighbor? (James 4:11)
…be holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, be holy; for I am holy. (1 Peter 1:15-16)
Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. (I Peter 3:10)
(See also the topic of “Communication” in this database.)
