VERSE FOR TODAY: Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited (Romans12:16, New International Version).
HYMN FOR TODAY: "The Bond of Love"
A young preacher being reprimanded for his thoughtless and inaccurate words about church group replied indignantly, "I didn't do anything wrong to hurt anyone." His friend responded, "Your words created more dissension than anything you could have done."
The Bible is concerned about language. "You shall not go about as a tale bearer among your people" (Leviticus 19:16, New International Version). To emphasize the seriousness of talk, Jewish teachers compared words to an arrow. When Asked why not a sword, a teacher replied, "If I draw my sword to kill you, you mayplead for mercy and convince me to sheath by sword. But if I shoot an arrow it cannot be halted in flight and returned.
What are the words that create harmony? They are words that emphasize what is good in a person or a situation. They are words that elevate and encourage others. They are words that create in others hope, and thus, encourage patience.
Harmonious words bring reconciliation, not revenge. They join the speaker with others in the joys of life; they give sympathy to the hurting. They are words that overcome evil with good and create harmony among the people of God.
PRAYER THOUGHTS: Lord, help us to use language that will build us up and bring us closer to each other in a harmonious Christian fellowship. Amen.
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