Timely Words

 TIMELY WORDS

 

I was impressed by the devotional by this name in Our Daily Bread (ODB) on 13/10/14. We have probably all heard the old adage "Timing is everything", and I certainly believe it is true when it comes to knowing whether to speak or remain silent in certain situations. In (Prov 25:11-12) in the NLT version we read "Timely advice is lovely, like golden apples in a silver basket. To one who listens, valid criticism is like a gold earring or other jewelry". Some times it is wiser to remain silent than it is to speak what you had in mind to say to someone. In (Eccles 3:1-8) it tells us there is "a time for everything", and in verse 7 we read "A time to tear and a time to mend. A time to be quiet and a time to speak". (NLT) Knowing the right time to speak is beneficial for both the speaker as well as the hearer.

 

There is some good advice for us in (James 1:19-20) on this topic, "Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: you must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires". (NLT) This is good advice, and requires that we be under the control of the Holy Spirit at all times. Every born again child of God has been given the Holy Spirit as a free gift from the Father when He "adopts" us into His Family. This happens the moment we as lost sinners, place our faith and trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior! Father knew we wouldn't be able to live a life that would please Him without the help of the Spirit. The Holy Spirit will always help us to use the right word at the right time, or perhaps keep silent if that is the best thing to do.

 

We should always have the other person's best interest at heart at all times. Read carefully (Col 3:1-17), which in the NLT version is headed up with "Living the New Life". Here Paul gives some very practical advice for us to follow as committed followers of Jesus. I especially like verses 12-15 "Since God chose you to be the holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all clothe yourselves with love, which binds all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And be thankful". That pretty well sums up what God expects of us as His children!!

Sincerely submitted.

Dave Jamer                                        17/10/14