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Speaking Life

 

Proverbs 18:21 - Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. 

Have you ever considered the power of your words? With them you can either draw others to Christ or push them away. One of the classic examples of this is the Samaritan woman at the well, who undoubtedly felt incredible shame (John 4:7-39). She went to the well during the hottest part of the day, to, most likely, avoid the condemnation she usually received from others.

Think about that. She was a woman who yearned for love so desperately that she went from relationship to relationship. Yet, she felt completely alienated from the people who could lead her to God – the One who could truly satisfy her deepest needs of acceptance. What a tragedy!

Thankfully, instead of rejection, Jesus spoke forgiveness and hope into her life. And she received His message so gratefully that she immediately became an evangelist for Him!

Those trapped in sin know their failings – they don’t need to feel more shame. And their eternity is at stake. So do as Jesus did: accept them as individuals sacrificially loved by God, while refusing to validate their sin. Have compassion for their needful hearts and lead them to the One who can heal them.

From – “Jesus, Our Perfect Hope,” by Charles F. Stanley