In ancient times oaths originated in people invoking the name of their God, respectfully calling a ‘higher power’ to witness what had or was about to happen. Conversely, the power could be invoked maliciously to seek harm on an enemy.
These days swearing has become common. People say ‘God’, ‘Jesus’, ‘damn’ and ‘hell’ almost lightheartedly, to express minor exasperation. Would they do so if they thought they were inviting the powers that be to witness their actions, or consign their work and family to failure or destruction?
Some folk don't use strong language but they are constantly critical. Always complaining. People should realise that those who maintain a constant habit of disrespectful, negative talk are effectively cursing themselves and those around them into unnecessary darkness!
Sure, we need to speak honestly and realistically about issues but we have a choice. When the necessary things have been carefully said, we can prefer to express thanks, faith, even joy in the most challenging circumstances. Or we can be moaners!
A little New Testament phrase has been playing recently in my mind: ‘Bless and do not curse.’ (Romans 12 v 14)
And this was written by someone undergoing cruel persecution!
What a privilege to greet fellow worshippers on a Sunday with, ‘Good morning, the Lord bless you.’ There’s a proper, reverent use of God’s name! What an excellent use of Social Media to write ‘Bless you’ on a friends Timeline for their birthday, or assure them, ‘Praying God’s grace and help for you’ when someone is facing hard times. What a lovely thing to engage in conversation with strangers and leave them with a good wish and a prayer for them and their children, ‘All the best, God bless!’
The verse quoted above comes in a beautiful (and as usual challenging!) passage. The chapter begins with a reference to God’s mercy in Christ on which we all must depend. Mindful of His undeserved goodness to us, we ought to be good, patient and forgiving to each other.
Like Jesus.
Preferring to bring a blessing, not a curse.
These days swearing has become common. People say ‘God’, ‘Jesus’, ‘damn’ and ‘hell’ almost lightheartedly, to express minor exasperation. Would they do so if they thought they were inviting the powers that be to witness their actions, or consign their work and family to failure or destruction?
Some folk don't use strong language but they are constantly critical. Always complaining. People should realise that those who maintain a constant habit of disrespectful, negative talk are effectively cursing themselves and those around them into unnecessary darkness!
Sure, we need to speak honestly and realistically about issues but we have a choice. When the necessary things have been carefully said, we can prefer to express thanks, faith, even joy in the most challenging circumstances. Or we can be moaners!
A little New Testament phrase has been playing recently in my mind: ‘Bless and do not curse.’ (Romans 12 v 14)
And this was written by someone undergoing cruel persecution!
What a privilege to greet fellow worshippers on a Sunday with, ‘Good morning, the Lord bless you.’ There’s a proper, reverent use of God’s name! What an excellent use of Social Media to write ‘Bless you’ on a friends Timeline for their birthday, or assure them, ‘Praying God’s grace and help for you’ when someone is facing hard times. What a lovely thing to engage in conversation with strangers and leave them with a good wish and a prayer for them and their children, ‘All the best, God bless!’
The verse quoted above comes in a beautiful (and as usual challenging!) passage. The chapter begins with a reference to God’s mercy in Christ on which we all must depend. Mindful of His undeserved goodness to us, we ought to be good, patient and forgiving to each other.
Like Jesus.
Preferring to bring a blessing, not a curse.
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