Be Ye Kind One to Another...By Using Kind Words (3)

Use Words of Encouragement

According to Wordweb encourage means “to inspire with confidence.” As one studies through the preaching of the apostles, this was part of their work. “As ye know how we dealt with each one of you, as a father with his own children, exhorting you, and encouraging you, and testifying… (1 Thessalonians 2:11; ASV). Paul even charged those of Thessalonica to do the same to the fainthearted (1 Thessalonians 5:14; ASV). There are going to be times in which we or someone we know will lack courage. The words we use in those situations will either create or kill confidence. For example, one may say, “I really need to lose weight” or “I have a bad habit I really need to quit.” There are a number of ways in which this can be handled. What will be said in this instance? “Well, you know it’s really hard. It takes a lot of commitment. Do you really think that you can do something of this magnitude?” That doesn’t inspire much confidence does it? Instead, it really dismisses the person as a failure before he has a chance doesn’t it? What about saying, “I have confidence that you will meet your goal and I will do everything I can to help you through this.” That shows your confidence in them, which inspires self confidence in that individual. The same can be applied in the church when someone who has never really been involved wants to do more for the cause of Christ. The words one uses can either inspire courage or cause it to expire. Use more words of encouragement.

Be Ye Kind One to Another...By Using Kind Words (2)

Kind Words Never Hurt

“Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me” has to be one of the biggest lies we tell ourselves. Words do, in fact, hurt. There is a great power behind the words we use. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof” (Proverbs 18:21). Notice that life and death are in the power of the tongue. With its use we can either build up or destroy. It would bring one to a remembrance of what James said of the tongue (James 3:5-10). All it takes to start a great fire is a small spark and small amount of poison can destroy the body. All it takes is one statement of hatred to do a lot of damage to a person. Words can literally make or break an individual. For instance, a child who hears nothing but negative statements his entire life from family and friends will most likely grow up to use nothing but negative statements. That child will believe things about himself that may not be true or grow up with no belief in self. Be careful even of what is said to self. One may beat himself down so much that he believes lies. “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he…” (Proverbs 23:7). The best thing to do is think about what is about to be said. Is it going to hurt the individual who is before me? Even in speaking to someone who is in sin, we give “…the truth in love…” (Ephesians 4:15).

Be Ye Kind One to Another...By Using Kind Words (1)

Paul wrote, “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:32). This is one of many verses in which Paul exhorted the brethren to treating each other with kindness. Being kind is being, “serviceable, good, pleasant, gracious, kind” (Vines). In fact, Jesus spoke of the kindness God has towards those who are unthankful and evil. “But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil” (Luke 6:35). In Ephesians, Paul uses that word to show how Christians should treat one another. Kindness is to be shown to the brethren. It is not a suggestion but a command given by the apostles (1 John 3:23). Keeping that in mind, over the next few months different ways Christians can show kindness to one to another will be discussed. This topic of discussion over the next few days will be our showing kindness by using kind words.

Fad Diets and Christianity

At the age of 18, this writer entered college weighing two-hundred and fifty pounds. He left college weighing one-hundred eighty pounds and currently resides somewhere between the two. Working at a pharmacy since high school, he was asked by many individuals, “Which of your products did you use to lose weight?” Pausing for only a moment I would ask, “Products?” “Yes, in the weight loss section. Which one did you use?” I gave the only response I could, “Water, portion control, and exercise. It’s the best and healthiest way to lose weight.” I would always here, “Oh. I don’t want to do it that way. I’ll look at the weight loss section to see what I want.” I quickly found that individuals will choose a quick, fad diet over one which takes more time but in the end is a healthier choice. I have even read of the extremes individuals go in order to quickly lose weight. In fact, in recent history, some would ingest tape worms in order to quickly lose weight. Sadly, some of those lost more than weight as the body reacted to the loss of nutrients found in the food we eat. Fad diets are often found to be unhealthy.

Keeping that in mind, there are many living today who would rather choose “Fad Christianity” rather than what God has prescribed. These individuals look for what they want (worship, salvation, and so on) and what feels comfortable to them, when in reality God’s way is the best way. “Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.” (Jeremiah 6:16). The children of Israel were given a picture of one traveling a path when he happens upon multiple forks in the road. He waits out of fear of taking the wrong path until he comes across another traveler. This traveler points this individual down the right path to his destination and he is able to rest after such a lengthy trip. God was encouraging the nation of Israel to look to their forefathers (Moses, Joshua, and so on) who would show them the proper paths to righteousness. Today, one looks no further to Christ and the prescribed method to become a member of His church. If only men today would seek the examples of conversion: Belief (Acts 2:37; 16:30-31), Repentance (Acts 2:38; 3:19), Confession of Christ (Acts 8:37), and Baptism for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38,41,47; 22:16). If only the examples of worship which are found in the New Testament were followed. Sadly, much like the Israelites who did not want to follow after their forefathers but after the false prophets of their day, there are many who will not follow after the commandments of Christ but would rather follow after their own wanting. It led to the Israelites going into captivity and cost many their souls. “Fad Christianity” will lead many down the broad path to destruction (Matthew 7:13).

A Soft Answer

The Proverbs writer stated, “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger” (Proverbs 15:1). There are times which certain situations are at their breaking point. What is said next will determine how this situation will end. One may choose to speak with a tone that is strong and fierce in the hopes that the offended party will back down and quell the problem. Most likely, what will happen if this occurs? Usually, anger begets anger. Kindness, on the other hand, usually begets kindness. Understandably, there are times in which a strong rebuke is to be given (Ephesians 5:11) but often it is not the solution to the problem. One should be reminded of the Apostle Paul, who wielded the rod but begged Philemon to take back Onesimus (1 Corinthians 4:21; Philemon 1:8-9). While the truth is never to be compromised remember that Christians are to speak “…the truth in love…” (Ephesians 4:15).