What God Says About the Tone of Our Speech? We Are Free to Speak, But You Cannot Control the Consequences of Your Free Speech

Text:

Matthew 22:37-40 (NKJV) 

 Jesus said to him, "'You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' 

 This is the first and great commandment. 

 And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' 

 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets." 

Observation:

Jesus describes love as being of first importance. The passage in our text on love is The Great Commandment. This commandment is the foundation for the wisdom of the Proverbs. Today we will focus on the following Proverb.

Proverbs 15:1 (NKJV) 

 A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. 

Today I want to focus on the second commandment, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself ."

How do you talk to people? Do you speak with a soft tender voice that demonstrates the love of God?

2 Kings 22:18-19 (NLT) 

 "But go to the king of Judah who sent you to seek the LORD and tell him: 'This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says concerning the message you have just heard: 

 You were sorry and humbled yourself before the LORD when you heard what I said against this city and its people—that this land would be cursed and become desolate. You tore your clothing in despair and wept before me in repentance. And I have indeed heard you, says the LORD. 

Is God pleased with the angry tone expressed by His people on social media, and in the marketplace?

Does God hear angry and harsh words? Or is His ear bent toward gentle and soft words from our mouth? Do you speak the language of love?

Proverbs 15:1 (MSG) 

 A gentle response defuses anger, but a sharp tongue kindles a temper-fire. 

Prayer:

Father, hallowed be Your name. Father, help us to love others with the love of the Lord who lives in our heart.

Romans 5:5 (NKJV) 

 Now hope does not disappoint because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. 

If we are filled with the Holy Spirit of God, we have God's love in our hearts. We have all that we need to be loving and gentle in our speech.

Proverbs 25:15 (AMP) 

 By long forbearance and calmness of spirit, a judge or ruler is persuaded, and soft speech breaks down the most bonelike resistance. 

Father, convict us to change; to love and forgive others in the manner that You have forgiven us. Amen.

--

1 Samuel 3:10 (NLT)
¹⁰  And the LORD came and called as before, "Samuel! Samuel!" And Samuel replied, "Speak, your servant is listening."

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