Seeing that we are the temple of the Holy Ghost, we must make sure we respect what is God's. Having self respect is just as important as having respect for others. Our words and thoughts also must be taken into account.
Matthew 15:17-20 says "Do ye not yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught? But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile a the man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man."
What is Christ saying in this passage? He is talking about the difference between eating with dirty hands and speaking with a dirty mouth. Careless speech will be brought to the light, whether it be in this life or the next. Matthew 12:36 says "But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned".
Also Ephesians 4:29-30 says "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
That is not all, however. Matthew 15:18 also states that words come from the heart, or thought life. Haven't you ever heard someone say "I really felt his heart"? I'm talking about when a person speaks. You don't literally feel someones heart when they speak, but you feel their feelings, their thoughts.
"Heart" in the Greek is kardia, kar-dee'-ah, and it means the thoughts or feelings (mind), also broken-heart(ed). Ever been broken hearted? How do you feel? Hurt feelings.
2 Corinthians 10:4-5 says "(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ."
My only hope is that all who read this post will gain a new understanding, and will be more alert or aware of what they think, say, and do. The same goes for me as well. I have been blessed even in writing this post, because I have new insight into what God really wants His people to be. Please do not let Satan have the upper hand because you said a careless word, did a thoughtless deed, or thought evil. Do not let Satan have his trophy!
-To the Beloved in Christ
Perry
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