“The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.” (Proverbs 18:21 NLT) One reason God uses the tongue in the process of our salvation through being baptized in the Holy Ghost is because it is the most unruly member of our body. The tongue has the power to kill or make alive.
Many people have deep emotional wounds from the power of the tongue. Their parents’ tongue lashed out at them daily during childhood with hurtful derogatory words. These abusive words cut deep into the heart and soul of a child. When the child becomes an adult, they still ‘hear’ the cutting words and are living their lives in fear, shame, and humiliation.
I challenge every reader to evaluate your words. Do they bring life to the people around you? Are your words loving, encouraging and wise? Does your family fear you because of your abusive tongue? Some people are very opinionated about everything and they don’t want to listen to anyone. Remember, all of us will give an account to God for every word we speak.
What we are in the home reveals our true self. Are we Holy Ghost controlled? If we are critical, derogatory, hateful in word and attitude toward others, we are in trouble with God. Kindness must begin in the home toward our spouse and children. Ephesians 4:31 & 32 NLT – says, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”
Angry outbursts are sinful and are works of the flesh. Most people do the angry outbursts in the home with family, but this is sin in God’s sight!! Wrath, abusive anger, dissention are all works of the flesh. Gals. 5 instructs us if we do these things, we shall not have a part in the kingdom of God. God allows us to be angry, but we cannot sin against someone with our anger.
How do we handle anger? Take ownership of our own emotions. Don’t blame our anger on others. Anger is a choice. Acknowledge the anger in a respectful manner. Be responsible to God for your thoughts, feelings and actions. Be respectful as you share your feelings about any issue. A soft answer turns away wrath. Really listen to the other person. Allow free expression. How we treat others is how we are treating God!
In my life and my ministry of writing, teaching and counseling, I take my words seriously. My teaching and counseling will be from the Word of God. If I give a personal opinion while teaching, I say so. Everyone in ministry must teach/preach the oracles of God. God’s Word speaks truth, but is never abusive.
To the hurting, I want you to know God’s truth is what brings healing to the heart, soul and mind. We can be ‘transformed by renewing our minds’ with God’s truth. Through my nationwide phone/web cam counseling (636 448-0121), I witness the power of God’s healing through His truth that is replacing the abusive words. In God, there is no condemnation! I teach people how not to allow the pain of their past to define who they are today through God’s Word. In Christ we are a new creation; ‘new’ means unused without fault. We must replace the abusive memories (Satan’s lies) with God’s truth today – it is a process.
I minister to churches in this example. I recently ministered for a church in a 3-day weekend. Saturday, I counseled people during the day. I taught for the whole church Saturday evening on the subject: “What is my purpose in life?” (To glorify God in my body – made it clear for old and young). Taught Sunday morning to whole church, “Father/husband, Priest/Pastor of the Home.” Sunday evening, “Jesus, the Healer of our Brokenness.” On Monday, I counseled during the day and spoke for a monthly ladies meeting. The Lord touched hearts in all four sessions, plus the two counseling days.
To minister for a church or conference, I come prepared for all sessions. I pray for God’s direction and anointing. At times, God changes direction by the move of the Holy Ghost. For conferences, I can speak several times and am willing to do some counseling for leaders or laypersons. My heartbeat is to share God’s Word to help others grow and heal spiritually, emotionally and relationally.
If you are a pastor or ministry leader and would like references about my ministry, call me and I will give you ministers contact info. I thank God that He allows me to be a conduit to share God’s Word for healing of hurting hearts. To God be the glory!
© Carol Clemans – October 2013
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