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- Oct 26, 2007
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And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak. The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you." Matthew 12:36-37 NLT
Jesus often heard His followers say some troubling and irresponsible things. From James and John asking Jesus to call down thunder on people, to Peter trying to persuade Jesus to avoid the cross, their words carried the potential to cause some really big problems. Jesus wanted His listeners to know that God noticed what they said and would one day acquit or condemn them based even on their words.
Your words have power to give life, encouragement, and freedom to others. They also have the power to condemn, discourage, and bind others. Basic everyday statements can have eternal consequences that extend beyond what we can imagine. The stakes are high, and you can’t afford to speak carelessly without considering how someone will either benefit or suffer from what you say. It is far better to carefully weigh what you say today than to worry about how you’ll give an account for your careless words before God. That day is coming, even if it seems far off at this particular moment.
Prayer: Jesus, help me to speak with wisdom and care so that I bring blessings to others and avoid judgment for idle words.
Jesus often heard His followers say some troubling and irresponsible things. From James and John asking Jesus to call down thunder on people, to Peter trying to persuade Jesus to avoid the cross, their words carried the potential to cause some really big problems. Jesus wanted His listeners to know that God noticed what they said and would one day acquit or condemn them based even on their words.
Your words have power to give life, encouragement, and freedom to others. They also have the power to condemn, discourage, and bind others. Basic everyday statements can have eternal consequences that extend beyond what we can imagine. The stakes are high, and you can’t afford to speak carelessly without considering how someone will either benefit or suffer from what you say. It is far better to carefully weigh what you say today than to worry about how you’ll give an account for your careless words before God. That day is coming, even if it seems far off at this particular moment.
Prayer: Jesus, help me to speak with wisdom and care so that I bring blessings to others and avoid judgment for idle words.
