Words

I never realised how human words can be so powerful especially on the destructive effects then the constructive. Even facts spoken in human words can be easily misunderstood especially if one is not in the spirit. Unintentional words spoken with good intention may mean entirely different with the hearer, even among the believers. In fact, among believers the effect is more rampant as the enemy is always on the alert to use every opportunity to attack the saints; to make it mean what it should not have meant, to create confusion and destruction.

Recently this happened to me. I was misunderstood for what I did not intend. However, I cease to believe that such misunderstanding can halt a spiritual progress of a believer. If mere words can hinder a person's growth, it is very doubtful of that person's stability and spiritual soundness. Nevertheless, I would not allow such minor case to be a stumbling block to a weaker saint. May the Lord forgive me.

This brings me to the matter of the tree of life. Anything apart from Christ as the tree of life can bring in death. If I don't enjoy this tree of zoe, all my deeds, much less mere words, can bring in death. I must eat the tree of life and live by the tree of life. May the Lord preserve me from anything apart from this tree. The tree of life is the solution to all problems. If I am such a one who enjoys the tree of life, my words will be full of life to impart life to others. Otherwise, all that is spoken is of death and darkness, even though the words spoken were good and spoken with good intent.

The Lord reminded me again and again, to mind my words, and bridle my tongue. To speak or not to speak should be determined by the indwelling spirit. Tonight as I had a meeting, I let loose my tongue to comment unnecessarily on certain matter and that created ruckus before our small group meeting. A real life lesson indeed. Later, we switched gear and started enjoying the Lord by singing hymns of praise to God. O we all were transferred to a new realm and we kept singing hymn after hymn until we realised we have spent more than two hours with some ministering of the word and prayer. 

Ephesians 5:19 "Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and psalming with your heart to the Lord," Yes to speak or not to speak is determined by what you should speak. Speak word of grace in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs. With these the enemy will have no ground to misinterpret it to the hearer.

Lord, preserve me in the enjoyment of the tree of life and to only speak words of life.