“If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with every one” (Rom. 12:18).
When I was a new Christian, it was almost impossible for me to live at peace with anyone! Almost every time I opened my mouth, I said something ugly. I was constantly hurting the people I was close to. In fact, I spoke more harshly to them than to anyone else.
I criticized Gloria’s driving so much that she nearly refused to drive while I was with her. I criticized my children so much that they began to avoid me. I didn’t want to be so insensitive, but I couldn’t help it. I had a well-developed habit of speaking harshly and didn’t know how to change it.
Then I found Ephesians 5:4. It said, “Let there be no coarse, stupid, or flippant talk; these things are out of place; you should rather be thanking God.” When I read that, I realized that what I needed to do was replace the words I was used to saying with words of thanksgiving. That would solve my problem. After all, I couldn’t speak harshly and thank God at the same time. I couldn’t criticize those around me if I had a thankful attitude about them.
I immediately decided to put this principle to work in my life. Rushing into my son’s room one day ready to lambaste him about something he had done, I recognized my old behavior pattern. I just stopped and said to myself, “The Word says this kind of behavior is out of place, so I am going to stop and thank God.” I wasn’t nearly as angry after I spent a few minutes praising and thanking the Lord.
If you’ve developed the habit of speaking harshly, start changing that habit today. When someone crosses you on the job, at school or wherever, and you’re tempted to tear into them with cruel words, stop! Then take a few moments to give thanks and praise to God. Once you begin thinking about how good God is, more often than not, those harsh, angry words will just slip away unspoken.
Instead of using your tongue to tear people down, train it to lift God’s praises up. Then living at peace with others will come easily to you!
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 4:26-32, 5:1-4
Excerpt permission granted by
Eagle Mountain International Church, Inc.
aka: Kenneth Copeland Ministries
For the last 50 years Kenneth and Gloria Copeland have been passionately teaching Christians all over the world how to apply the principles of faith found in God's WORD to their lives.
They have seven ministry offices around the world: United States, Canada, Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, Ukraine and Latin America. Their God-given directive is to preach and teach the uncompromised WORD of God on every available voice, which is being accomplished through a variety of channels, including our Believer's Voice of Victory TV and radio broadcasts, podcast and magazine; Believers' Conventions, Victory Campaigns and Living Victory meetings; published books, website, and social media channels, to name a few.
With the expansion of technology, they have more work to do now than ever. They are determined to let the world know Jesus is LORD, and they are not slowing down anytime soon!