By Lisa Wilmore
Dear Hearts,
“Harsh words and bad attitudes must not be among the believers in Jesus Christ.” Have you encountered people who profess to be a Christian but always have bad attitudes and use language that makes your heart cringe? In fact, you have no desire to be in the company of such people because of the harshness of their words toward you and others. Interestingly, this behavior is disappointing and does not reveal Jesus’ true identity in us.
To emphasize, one of the most heartbreaking moments a Christian can incur is when spoken to with harsh words by those who bear the name of Jesus Christ-Christians. Yes, those who are our brothers and our sisters in Christ. When this happens, the world witnesses our actions and treatment of each other and notes that we are no different from them. This is not acceptable because we, Christians, are supposed to bear the light of Jesus for the world to see and hopefully through our behavior, others will become inquisitive about who He is and desire to know Him. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify the Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16-17 KJV). God cannot get the glory from harsh words and bad attitudes.
What does it cost to be kind to each other? What is kindness’ value? Well, it does not cost anything to be kind, but there is true value in a “kind word”. God’s Word establishes that “Kind words are like honey-sweet to the soul and healthy for the body” (Prov. 16:24 NLT).
There are people that you will encounter who are in need of a kind word. When kindness comes from the heart of a Christian, the recipient will bask in it and perhaps pass it on in the same manner in which it was received.
As Christians, we should not use harsh words or exemplify bad attitudes toward one another. God has called us to be in unity and harmony not in discord. Paul cautioned the church of Ephesus to “Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor (noisy shouting), and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice (meanness). And be ye kind to one another, tenderhearted (compassion), forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you” (Eph. 4:30-32).
Think about it? Now that Christ lives in us, we should not be guilty of using bad language-meanness toward other Christians (or anyone); quarreling with our brothers and sisters and using harsh words and bad attitudes toward others. We must show kindness, compassion, and forgiveness toward one another as Christ forgave us.
So, reveal His beautiful and His kindness that He infiltrated in your heart.
Jesus Saves!
