In our walk with God, we are bound to make mistakes and fall short of His glory. Sometimes, we may find ourselves needing restoration and guidance from fellow believers. It may not always be easy to accept help from others, especially if our faults are pointed out, or our pride is being hurt. However, it is crucial to understand that reviling or slandering those trying to help us is a dangerous path that can lead us further away from God.
Psalm 15:1-3 reminds us that the one who dwells in the presence of God speaks truth in their heart, does not slander with their tongue, and does no evil to their neighbor.
Similarly, Proverbs 10:16-17 highlights the importance of heeding instruction, while Proverbs 16:28 warns against a perverse mouth that stirs up trouble. Our words have the power to heal and hurt, so we must choose them wisely.
Jesus Himself also spoke about the danger of our words in Matthew 15:19, where He says that out of the heart come evil ideas, murder, adultery, and sexual immorality, among others.
Mark 7:20-23 echoes the same sentiments, particularly verse 22, which mentions "slander" and "pride" as two forms of evil that can defile a person. By reviling or slandering those trying to restore us to God, we display a heart filled with pride and a lack of humility.
Ephesians 4:31-32 reminds us to get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, instead choosing to be kind to one another, tenderhearted, and forgiving.
Likewise, James 5:9 warns against complaining or grumbling against others, which can lead to judgment and condemnation.
Finally, 1 Peter 2:1-3 urges us to rid ourselves of all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander and instead crave pure spiritual milk like newborn babies.
In summary, reviling or slandering those who are trying to restore us to God is a dangerous path that can lead to further sin and distance from Him. Instead of responding with anger or pride when shown our faults, we must humble ourselves and accept correction with gratitude. Our words have the power to heal or hurt, so we must choose them wisely. Let us strive to rid ourselves of bitterness, anger, and slander and instead exhibit traits of kindness, tenderness, forgiveness, and a heart that craves pure spiritual growth.
Conclusion:
Let us step back and reflect on our attitudes towards correction and guidance. Are we prone to lashing out or reacting defensively when someone points out our shortcomings? Or are we willing to receive correction with humility and gratitude?
Remember, those who seek to restore us to God are doing so out of love and concern for our Spiritual well-being. Let us not disregard their efforts by reviling or slandering them, but instead, let us embrace correction with open hearts and a willingness to grow in faith.
*** Examples of Reviling and Slandering Those Seeking to Restore You.
It's important to understand that reviling and slandering go against Christian conduct, mainly when directed at those seeking to restore someone to the Lord. Here are two examples that illustrate these behaviors:
Public Discrediting: Imagine a scenario where someone tries to guide a fellow believer back to their faith. In response, the individual being helped publicly mocks or ridicules the person's efforts, perhaps in a church setting or on social media. This could involve derogatory comments about the helper's sincerity, questioning their motives, or belittling their understanding of scripture. Such actions not only hurt the individual but can also discourage others from seeking or offering spiritual guidance.
Spreading False Testimony: In another example, a person might respond to restoration attempts by spreading false information about the one trying to help. This could include lying about their past, character, or actions, intending to damage their reputation within the community. This behavior harms the individual and sows seeds of distrust and discord within the congregation.
Both these examples demonstrate a lack of humility and resistance to Spiritual restoration. They go against the teachings of Christ about loving one another, forgiveness, and the importance of community in the Christian faith. These actions can have far-reaching effects on the individuals involved and the wider community's perception of Christian fellowship and support.
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