Pray for Speech that Bears Good Fruit
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Pray for Speech that Bears Good Fruit
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Persecution will come. Jesus said it would. There is nothing we can do to stop it. However, it is our response to it that should set us apart as followers of Christ.
I was reading a post from a well-known minister last week. It was a good word. I enjoyed it and I agreed with it. Yet, as I scrolled through the comments expecting to read confirmations and “amen”, I was shocked at what I saw.
Those who did not agree were quite vocal and ugly. The language in the comments was offensive to my spirit.
I brushed it off as persecution.
What surprised me further was that the minister reacted to them with the same hostility and ugly comments were flying back and forth between the minister and the commenters.
The Bible tells us persecution will come. It also tells us how to respond to it.
Rom12:14-21 says, Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.” Therefore, if your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head. Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good. (NKJV)
In the Amplified Bible, 2 Tm 4:5 says, But as for you, be clear-headed in every situation [stay calm and cool and steady], endure every hardship [without flinching], do the work of an evangelist, fulfill [the duties of] your ministry.
We are not to react in our flesh but respond according to the word of God. Anger is a knee-jerk reaction. Instead we should respond with wisdom, patience and godly insight.
We are commanded to bless and not curse. We are not to repay evil for evil. God’s word urges us to live in peace as much as we can, with all men.
In this current season, anger and division seems to be running amuck. I agree it can be difficult to deal with on occasion. However, we must take a deep breath and ask God how we should respond. If not, we will likely react in anger. Anger never accomplishes any good thing.
Refrain from anger and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil. Ps 37:8
And one of my favorites, from Prv 15:1; A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Years ago, I was interviewing Joyce Meyer when she made a profound statement that has become a guide for me. We were discussing a particular statement she had made when she asked me to remove it. She then said, “that would produce no good fruit.”
Before I respond in difficult situations, I often ask myself this question; “would it produce any good fruit?” If the answer is no, I keep silent.
It is the word of God that should guide us in every situation.
Today, we find ourselves in a difficult season. One where emotions are running high. It is up to us to prepare our hearts in advance to respond to persecution. To respond in love, for God is love.
Kim Potter is a writer, ordained minister and worshiper of God. Her writings reveal a heart that desires to encourage and empower God’s people. Through A New Thing Ministries, she sends a daily writing via email to thousands of people around the globe. For more information visit; www.anewthingministries.com
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“Therefore, if your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head. Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good. (NKJV)”
Years ago, at Multnomah Bible College I heard a missionary explain that phrase “heaping coals of fire on someone’s head.” I’ve heard many explanations since that do not make sense in light of the context. But this man explained that in the African village where he ministered, when people in a village had no fire to cook or heat water with, a neighboring village might share with them some of their own burning coals. Heaping coals on someone’s head, like feeding the hungry and giving water to the thirsty, was to BLESS THEM, not hurt or take vengeance against them. It fits the context and Jesus’ intent in this illustration. It’s a GOOD thing.
Controversial subjects have come up recently as I step out of myself to others, some Christian and some not. To love others means to be patient, kind, and long suffering. As I endure my own sufferings, God changes my heart to have more compassion for others. In these situations of conflict, I have found I can express words and do actions that truly show love. In the heat of the moment it is difficult to find that kind word that turns away wrath. But with the true love of Christ in our hearts, that kind word is expressed at the right moment that can turn the entire situation around. I have seen this happen many times recently. What changed? I am changing. And I must be honest and say that God is changing me through this very difficult time in my life. Our trials have purpose as we surrender to Him. Thank you Kim for this timely article. It points us in the right direction even if we struggle doing it. But God is faithful and He will mature us through the power of the Holy Spirit. We are in this process of sanctification together as the Body of Christ. We are to help each other grow to maturity.
Father, help us to speak to build others up. In Jesus’ name, Amen
I can pray the above prayer with a heart of God’s love. But I have to add a line – which I did. ‘After doing all that You instruct, please guide me NOT to be a doormat to the evil perpetrated by those who would give evil out as candy.’ Soldiers of the cross pray for people and salvation BUT they fight the evil. Often. we see the guidance from well-meaning people to intertwine the two. That cannot and will not always work. We must be wise, or we become doormats to perpetrators of evil. Prayer is the first line of defense! Then God takes us to the fight itself. The Bible over and over again shows God putting people into the fight. Lord, protect Your intercessors and Your soldiers. Show us how to separate the two as we bring the process together. Amen
This is a very important message! Amen to each word.
“We are not to react in our flesh but respond according to the word of God.” Kim Potter
“I tell you that on the Day of Judgment people will have to account for every careless word they speak. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” Jesus, Matthew 12:36-37
“If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless.” James 1:26
“LORD, set up a guard for my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips.” David; Psalm 141:3
“For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the ideas and thoughts of the heart. No creature is hidden from Him, but all things are naked and exposed to the eyes of Him to whom we must give an account.” The Author of Hebrews; chapter 4, verses 12-13
“You are the salt of the earth. …You are the light of the world…” Jesus, Matthew 5:13-14
Dear Heavenly Father, I believe Jesus’ words. I believe James’ words. Most importantly, I believe there is nothing we cannot ask of YOU. This morning I am praying for Your revelation of truth into the hearts of reactionary Christians. We are supposed to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Make our hearts tender and when they are not, pierce us with Your Truth. I pray this and so much more to You El Emet, YOU ARE the Faithful God of Truth, to Jesus Christ, the perfecter of Truth and to the Holy Spirit, alive and active. Amen
Excellent
Another good scripture from James 1 – “Let every one be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger.”
I love your idea of questioning ‘does it bear good fruit?’ before we speak. Years ago I heard of a good reminder that is similar: W.A.I.T. – Why Am I Talking? What is my purpose in saying it? Is it for blessing or for curse? Does it build up or tear down? I agree we would all do well at times to not say anything. Exodus 14:14 “The Lord will fight for you while you keep silent.’
Recall when Jesus cursed the ‘fig tree’ for not having fruit? He was looking for fruit out of season. We are entering that season. Our lives are being squeezed like toothpaste, and what’s inside us forced out if our mouths and in our thoughts!
The Cost of Discipleship is a 180° turn from the World the moment I was Saved, and purposed that every dark room of my house was well lit and would bear fruit. He is still at work permeating my Life, sweeping out darkness, after 42 years. I am more eager now for His work to crescendo. Fruit for everyone! Very yummy!
This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us. 1John 1:5-10
Good word for today. Out of the mouth the heart speaks (or the fingers type probably nowadays)
What an important message to guard our heart and tongue, to submit to You Lord and resist the devil. I pray also that You
“Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things, and revive me in Your way.” Psalm 119:37.
Thank you, Lord. This is exactly what I need to hear today. May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. (Psalm 19:14)