New Life Instructions II

Rom.12:² “Don’t copy the behaviour and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”

True righteousness and holiness flow from a renewed mind and a renewed attitude by God’s Spirit. However, God gave us some clear pointers on how this new life should be. We have learnt; stop telling lies, do not sin by letting your anger control you, quit stealing.

#4: Eph.4:²⁹ “Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them” (emphasis added). God’s instructions are clear, do not use foul and abusive language. Yet, we have Christians that still use the ‘F’ word, ‘S’ word. God says do not! Do not say things like, “coconut head”, do not let it come out of your mouth. That is what the Bible says. For those that are married, because marriage will challenge you, do not abuse your spouse. Do not abuse your colleagues, your friends, and the people you meet on the road. In Lagos, some cars are born again, they have the ‘I belong to Jesus’ sticker, but the driver is not. It is important to God that we refrain from using abusive words.

#5: Eph.4:³¹ “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behaviour” (emphasis added). People have offended you and you were hurt but get rid of the bitterness. If you do not get rid of the bitterness, it is going to affect you. For those of us that are married, note God says get rid of harsh words. If you can survive not speaking harsh words to your spouse, you are on your way to becoming the person Jesus wants you to be. Get rid of slander because it is an evil behaviour.

In God’s Favourite House, we have zero tolerance for gossip. We do not do gossip. I deal with people that gossip as though they robbed a bank. Gossip is like cancer; it spreads and pulls down God’s work. So, it is in your interest not to be a part of it and the reason is, prayer is being said against the people that are trying to pull down God’s work. So, if you put your head there and an arrow is flying, what is going to happen? That is why the ground literally collapses on people because they get themselves involved in gossip, in the things they have no business in. Such people end up heaping curses on themselves from a place they should be blessed. When someone brings gossip to you, it is in your best interest to say, ‘Get thee behind me satan’. It is better to be harsh and be safe, than nice and be a casualty.

Prayer: Father, by Your grace, I get rid of all bitterness, foul or abusive language, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, in Jesus Name. Amen!