SHARE THE FIGHT/WORK, SHARE THE REWARD
The title of last Friday’s blog, when Jonathan’s young armour-bearer GUARDED HIS BACK as they fought the Philistines above the pass.
7 ‘Do all that you have in mind,’ his armour-bearer said. ‘Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul.’ 1 Samuel 14
A recent post from Facebook;
If becoming ‘religious’ has made you more judgmental, rude, harsh, a BACKBITER, you need to check if you are worshipping God OR YOUR EGO. (Mindful Christianity)
I know of a situation where someone was experiencing back pain. Prayer was made but no breakthrough was apparent, often there may be underlying reasons.
On this occasion repentance was made of spoken words and healing came at once, the blockage had gone.
The English word ‘Backbiter’ comes from two Greek words, kata, against and laleo, to speak, hence KATALALIA, backbiting or speaking against. (Some versions translated ‘speak evil’. 1 Peter 2:1 AV)
This word occurs three times in one verse, James 4:11;
Brothers, do not SLANDER one another (speak against). Anyone who SPEAKS AGAINST his brother/sister or judges them SPEAKS AGAINST the law and judges it. And if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law, but a judge of it. James 4:11
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong (Slander/Backbiting), they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. 1 Peter 2:12
15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously/backbiting against your good behaviour in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 1 Peter 3
The reference in James 4 warns us not to speak against or speak evil of our brothers and sisters. We are not to judge our brethren, we ourselves will be judged.
The next two references from 1 Peter tell us to model Godly behaviour before unbelievers, that they may feel ashamed and turn to God.
The letter to the Ephesians urges us not to grieve the Holy Spirit, specifically by our words and attitude, but to be kind and forgiving towards one another just as God has been towards us in Christ.
30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4
May the Lord help us to yield our speech and attitudes to Him that we don’t block His Spirit but co-operate with Him.
God bless and keep you today.