Daily Jewel

by Pastor J.T. Carnell, McAlester, OK

“Before you let the accusations fly…”

"Do not accuse a man for no reason-when he has done you no harm." (Proverbs 3:30, NIV)

Do you recognize the verse of Scripture this morning? It is the exact same one as yesterday’s only in a different version—and it provides us with an entirely different perspective and one which we must pay close attention to! It must be a part of our human nature to find fault before accepting responsibility. Even in Solomon's day there were those who were quick to cast blame. The "fruit" of our lips is words, and words can go to work the minute they are said. But once said you can never get them back again. They become part of the changeless past. When good words go to work, however, they bring happiness and help people, but the unkind ones bring heartache and sorrow. Chances are you've a right to be angry over some things that have been said to you at meetings, at work or at home. Sometimes you may want to shed hot tears, shove things around, kick the dog, or run away from everything. But hold on hopefully for the words of your God are written in the Bible to help you grow in grace and earn the beattitude of self-control. Word's aren't something you can fool around with. Words aren't just sounds—mad sounds, glad sounds, or blah sounds. Words are living things and they last!! Every word that you have ever said has lasting power. It has lasted as warm and gentle comfort to a friend or relative who needed comfort badly, or it has lasted as a scar whose venom has blown out of all proportion to the original cause and made an enemy for you. If there is still any doubt in your heart about what words can do then consider these things: Once brushed aside, can you mend the strands of the spider's web? So it is with words. After a shower can you make the sun shine through the beads of rain-drops of the trees? Perhaps not, but you can light up a life by the beauty of your chosen words. Wherever you may go, take with you only the best words: Living words, strong-winged, beautiful words of hope and good cheer and praise to God. Words that are kind at heart and understanding. Take with you gentle words. Try gentle words in anger, for gentle words turn away wrath. Your word is the only thing you can keep and give away at the same time. They are living things and they last! Before making any accusations make certain of these things: 1. Do you have all of the facts? 2. What is the motive behind the accusation? 3. How many are affected by the accusation? 4. What will the final result be? Before we do anything which could damage or destroy another's character or reputation also consider these words from Jesus: "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone..."

Pastor J. T. Carnell