The Power of Life and Death is in the Tongue: A Biblical Perspective on the Weight of Our Words
Weekly Free Deliverance Service | Replay of 07/27/2023
The Power of Inner Healing and Freedom
In a recent live deliverance service, Pastor Timothy Tomlinson talked about the amazing power we have through Jesus Christ. This power can free us completely from every curse, bondage, and evil spirit that tries to harm us (Luke 10:19, Romans 8:37-39).
Pastor Tomlinson strongly encouraged everyone that God deeply wants to heal and restore every part of their life. He wants them to live fully in who God designed them to be. And to completely fulfill their God-given purpose with overflowing joy, peace and freedom (John 10:10, Jeremiah 29:11).
Pastor Tomlinson explained how curses can secretly take control in our life. This happens through hurtful words spoken over us or curses we speak over ourselves with negative self-talk (Proverbs 18:21, James 3:9-12). But Scripture clearly shows both blessings and curses have real spiritual power and real consequences in people's lives (Deuteronomy 28:15, Proverbs 26:2).
The wonderfully good news is that as we fully obey Christ, He can and will supernaturally transform even the most vicious curses aimed against us into abundant blessings (Deuteronomy 23:5, Nehemiah 13:2).
Examples of Cursing and Blessing in the Old Testament
Pastor Tomlinson gave serious examples in the Old Testament where curses had very real destructive effects in people's lives. When Elisha cursed some young men who mocked him, two angry bears came out of the woods right after and viciously killed 42 of those foolish youths (2 Kings 2:24). In deep anguish, Jeremiah bitterly cursed the day he was born (Jeremiah 20:14-18). Even righteous words borne of extreme pain still proved deeply destructive.
In complete contrast, spoken blessings were seen as powerfully imparting vibrant life, divinely protected safety, and supernatural prosperity. Isaac earnestly blessed his son Jacob, granting him leadership over his brothers and prosperous crops (Genesis 27:28-29). Jacob passionately blessed his twelve sons, speaking deeply prophetic blessings over each one (Genesis 49:1-28).
Balaam was hired to fiercely curse Israel, but God Almighty made only rich blessings pour out of Balaam's mouth instead (Numbers 22-24). This shows that though people intend to bitterly curse, God can supernaturally transform those curses into powerful blessings for those who sincerely follow Him (Numbers 23:8, 23).
In addition to verbal curses and blessings spoken by Israel's prophets and patriarchs, pagan nations surrounding Israel also aggressively used menacing curses and wicked incantations trying in vain to destroy them (2 Kings 18:17-37). But God Almighty promised to completely reverse every demonically inspired curse spoken against obedient Israel into abundant blessings instead (Deuteronomy 23:5, Nehemiah 13:2).
The Heart's Vital Link to Our Speech
While the Old Testament strongly emphasizes the huge power and impact of spoken blessings and curses over people's lives, the New Testament shifts focus. It exposes the crucial inner heart attitudes concealed underneath that actually generate our words.
Jesus Christ clearly taught that our speech flows directly from the true condition of our hearts (Matthew 12:34). So rather than only monitoring our outward words, Jesus emphasizes we must urgently purify our inward hearts first. Because the heart is the ultimate source that pours out either spiritually corrupting speech or spiritually uplifting speech (Matthew 12:33-35).
James sternly compares the unchecked tongue to a dangerously blazing fire that angrily pollutes the whole body when left unguarded (James 3:6). He sharply rebukes arrogantly blessing God while simultaneously cursing others in hypocrisy – this is like mixing both sweet purified water and bitter poison from the same polluted spring (James 3:9-12).
Using vivid word pictures, James highlights the tongue's immense power to completely direct one's entire life course. He strongly urges believers to urgently tame and purify their tongues by applying heavenly wisdom in practical ways (James 3:1-18).
Serious Warnings Against Cursing Others
Along with forcefully underscoring the vital heart-speech connection, the New Testament gives grave warnings against believers carelessly and sinfully cursing others through angry speech.
Jesus Christ Himself solemnly condemned calling a fellow believer “a fool” as making oneself worthy of hell (Matthew 5:22). James gave a piercing rebuke against arrogantly cursing others made in God's own holy image (James 3:9-10).
Instead of retaliating with angry curses, Jesus perfectly modeled extraordinarily blessing others. He did this by compassionately serving, mercifully forgiving, kindly healing, and generously giving to those in need (Matthew 5:44, Luke 6:27-36, Mark 10:45).
Jesus directly calls all His committed followers to "earnestly bless those who curse you, fervently pray for those who mistreat you" (Luke 6:28). And to "genuinely love your enemies and sincerely pray for those who persecute you" (Matthew 5:44).
When Jesus himself was viciously insulted, He resolutely chose not to retaliate but entrusted Himself fully to God alone (1 Peter 2:23).
The Apostle Paul gives compelling theological reasons for believers to completely refrain from cursing others. Our speech as Christians should always aim to intentionally build others up in Christ (Ephesians 4:29). As God's holy people, we must decisively rid ourselves of all rage, slander, filthy language, and abusive speech (Colossians 3:8, Ephesians 4:31).
Blessing others, even enemies and persecutors, aligns with true Christlike love, humility, kindness and godly wisdom (Luke 6:27-28, Romans 12:14).
Curses Unjustly Aimed at Christians in the New Testament
Despite clearly prohibiting vengeance or retaliation even through speech, early Christians still faced intense cursing from those fanatically opposing the Gospel (Acts 13:6-12, 16:16-24).
Though these accounts do not contain the actual curses, it's reasonable to conclude the Apostles certainly faced bitter verbal attacks during their ministry (2 Corinthians 11:23-28). Yet they faithfully persisted in steadfastly blessing others, preaching salvation, and committed themselves to God for justice against oppressors (Romans 12:14, 19-21).
Practical Biblical Principles for Taming Our Tongues
In light of these Scriptures, Pastor Tomlinson shared profoundly helpful, practical biblical principles for believers to tame their tongues and harness their power for good:
1. Purify your heart – Our speech flows from our hearts. Ask God to cleanse your heart from attitudes like anger and pride that fuel harmful speech (Psalm 51:10, Matthew 12:34).
2. Pray for Holy Spirit – empowered self-control – Ask the Holy Spirit to empower Christlike restraint over your tongue, being quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger (James 1:19, Proverbs 17:27-28).
3. Think carefully before speaking – Purposefully develop the habit of prayerfully thinking about your words. Are they uplifting or destructive? Ask God for ongoing discernment (Proverbs 15:28, 21:23).
4. Speak words that spiritually enrich others – Ask yourself: how will my words benefit others' spiritual life? Seek to impart grace, wisdom, and encouragement that strengthens faith and draws them closer to God (Ephesians 4:29, Proverbs 12:18).
5. Bridle and sanctify your tongue – Wholeheartedly commit to setting a guard over your mouth, allowing no unwholesome speech. Your tongue is sanctified by the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit (Psalm 39:1, 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22).
6. Meditate on virtuous things – Intentionally focus your heart and mind on God's Word and promises. As your mind renews, your speech will become more uplifting and edifying (Philippians 4:8, Joshua 1:8).
7. Confess past sins of the tongue – If you've spoken destructively or pronounced unjust curses, humbly confess these sins to God. Jesus' blood cleanses us when we confess (1 John 1:9, James 5:16).
8. Walk in Christlike forgiveness – Don't let bitterness poison your speech. Forgive others as God has forgiven you. Release those who've wronged you by blessing and praying for them (Matthew 6:14-15, Romans 12:14).
9. Remember, the tongue holds immense power – Whether used for good or evil, the tongue powerfully directs one's life. So we must submit our tongues to God's authority and fill them with His truth (Proverbs 18:21, James 3:1-12).
As believers apply these biblical principles in the Spirit's power, they'll experience deep heart and tongue transformation by God's grace (Romans 8:5-6, 12:2). Although taming the tongue requires constant vigilance, the beautiful harvest is overflowing life, healing, wisdom and peace (Proverbs 18:21, James 3:17-18).
Pastor Tomlinson demonstrates principles in action by engaging volunteers:
Tormented by Demons, Set Free by Jesus: Ash's Journey to Inner Healing
Ash courageously volunteered to have Pastor Timothy walk her through the process of Christian inner healing. Ash shared that she had been ruthlessly tormented by violent demons for many years (Mark 5:1-5). This horrific demonization began after she tragically slipped on ice and felt an oppressive, sinister presence enter deep into her body and soul in that moment (Luke 4:33-35).
As Pastor Timothy compassionately guided Ash to come directly to Jesus as a faithful Friend (John 15:13-15), she cried out for the Lord to graciously intervene and take her back to this root trauma memory (Psalm 18:6). Ash then turned to the Lord in dependent prayer, dividing her innermost soul and spirit through the authority of God’s Word, which Scripture says exposes our deepest parts (Hebrews 4:12).
Next, Ash chose by faith to forgive herself for being deceived into the occult which had opened this massive doorway to the demonic (Mark 1:23-27). As Jesus powerfully ministered His supernatural peace to Ash’s broken heart (John 14:27), she persisted through confusion, steadfastly knocking on heaven’s door in Jesus’ name (Matthew 7:7-8).
Ash continually approached the Lord as the Just Judge (2 Timothy 4:8), boldly convening the Courts of Heaven until Jesus Himself brought the breakthrough on her behalf (Daniel 7:9-10). The Wonderful Counselor testified against the demons and rendered the verdict that fully liberated Ash (Luke 10:19)!
Then through self-deliverance in Christ’s authority (Matthew 10:1), the Holy Spirit uncovered even more legal rights from generational sins passed down through her parents (Exodus 20:5). But faithful Ash kept shamelessly bringing her needs to Jesus’ throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16), tirelessly seeking His face until He revealed every hidden stronghold. In the end, the Lord Jesus set Ash completely free by His glorious power, to the praise of His name alone (Romans 8:2)!
Here are two ways Jesus brought confirmation of healing and freedom to Ash:
1. Jesus spoke gently to Ash's heart, telling her to "let it go" and assuring her of His love as His child. His words brought comfort and confirmed her liberation.
2. In personal encounters, Jesus took Ash back to revisit the traumatic "root" memories, and His presence delivered peace, confirming those areas were healed.
Through tender words of affirmation, intimate times of healing past wounds, and the quiet assurance of His indomitable power, Jesus confirmed His liberation in Ash's life. His manifold manifestations proved He alone has authority to deliver us.
Finding Freedom from Condemnation: Charmaine's Journey to Forgiveness
Charmaine bravely shared how Jesus set her free from heavy spiritual bondage. She openly admitted to a painful time of rebelling and running from God in her youth (Proverbs 28:13).
Charmaine felt deep regret and shame over choices she made during that season away from God's care (Isaiah 53:6). As she pursued her own path, Charmaine became trapped in condemnation over her past failures (Romans 6:16).
As Pastor Timothy kindly guided her through inner healing, Charmaine turned to Jesus as the loving Father ready to welcome her home (Luke 15:11-24). She fully gave that regretful time of sin to Christ to redeem and forgive (1 John 1:9).
Charmaine recalled the immense freedom she felt receiving Jesus' unconditional love and acceptance, despite her sinfulness. At the cross, her shame was exchanged for Christ's righteousness (Isaiah 64:6, 2 Corinthians 5:21). As God's treasured daughter, Charmaine found redemption, restoration, and renewed identity (Galatians 4:6-7).
During self-deliverance, the Holy Spirit exposed the demon of rejection had no rights, proving Jesus has power over every curse (Luke 10:19). Charmaine embraced the truth - she was secure in the Father's loving embrace (Psalm 91:4). No more imprisoned by guilt and shame (Romans 8:1).
Charmaine's story shows the Gospel's wonder. Though we trade the Father's blessings for empty things, He runs to welcome us home (Jeremiah 2:13, Luke 15:20). Where sin increases, God's grace infinitely more abounds, setting captives free (Romans 5:20-21).
During Charmaine's journey to freedom, Jesus demonstrated His divine power to heal and restore in two ways:
1. Jesus spoke directly to Charmaine's heart, replacing condemning lies with His liberating truth that she was forgiven, loved, and called His daughter. His gentle words brought deep emotional healing.
2. Charmaine had personal encounters with Jesus where He took her back to revisit painful memories from her past. In these visions, Jesus was present comforting Charmaine, facilitating deep inner healing at those points of trauma and hurt.
Through these manifestations of His intimate friendship, fatherly compassion, and sovereign power, Jesus proved He alone can set the captives free. He healed Charmaine completely and restored her identity.
Finding Freedom from Dark Oppression: Blair’s Journey of Deliverance
Blair transparently shared his intense suffering from oppressive dark spirits that had almost fully taken over his mind and body since childhood (Mark 5:1-5). He described being tormented day and night, enduring horrific pain as these demons continually tried destroying him (Luke 4:33-35).
Though Blair had sought deliverance across Australia over many years since becoming a believer, he still felt trapped in severe bondage. But he did not lose hope, continuously crying out to Jesus, the compassionate Friend who invites the heavy-laden to find rest in Him (Matthew 11:28-30).
As Pastor Timothy gently guided Blair through Christian Inner Healing, he came to Jesus afresh, the Wonderful Counselor who promises freedom to captives (Luke 4:18). Blair prayed for the Lord to intervene, take him back to the root memories from childhood, and unlock the prison doors.
By faith Blair received the truth that though healing may progress slowly, Jesus’ light would surely dispel all darkness as he persisted in prayer (Romans 4:18-21, John 1:5). Pastor Timothy encouraged Blair to keep bringing his needs shamelessly to God’s throne of grace until every chain fell off (Hebrews 4:16).
Even when the enemy tried confusing and blocking his mind, Blair resolutely continued entrusting himself to the Shepherd who searches for lost sheep. He rested in the assurance that Jesus, the door to life, would open at just the right time (John 10:3-4, 10).
Blair’s story inspires other captives awaiting freedom. Despite long waiting, we must continually knock on heaven’s door, trusting Jesus’ promise that it will be opened (Matthew 7:7-8). And when deliverance comes, we will know for certain that “He who the Son sets free is free indeed” (John 8:36).
Here is how Jesus brought confirmation to Blair:
Because of the overwhelming voices of distraction from the spirits oppressing him, Blair had difficulty clearly hearing Jesus speak during the deliverance process. However, Pastor Timothy compassionately encouraged Blair to go back to the painful root memories from childhood to see if Jesus had brought His peace there.
Though Blair did not always tangibly see or hear Jesus, he received ongoing confirmation through finding comfort in Scriptures like Isaiah 41:10. Blair trusted God was working behind the scenes, even when he could not yet see the breakthrough manifest.
Blair’s story highlights that we do not always receive direct encounters or words from Jesus during inner healing and deliverance. Sometimes we must rely on faith that His finished work has accomplished the victory, even when we still feel bound. Like Blair, we can find encouragement through Scriptures that reassure us of God’s presence and power.
Pastor Timothy wisely advised Blair to persistently keep bringing his needs before Jesus’ throne of grace, shamelessly knocking until the Lord finally opened the door to freedom. Though it was a difficult process requiring perseverance, Blair’s testimony encourages others suffering under oppression to continue steadfastly crying out to Jesus, the compassionate Friend who promises to intervene in His perfect timing.
51 Scriptures used in this blog with summaries using the New Living Translation (NLT)
Luke 10:19 (NLT) Look, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them. Nothing will injure you. - Summary: Jesus gives us His authority over demonic forces.
Romans 8:37-39 (NLT) No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. - Summary: Nothing can separate us from God's love in Christ.
John 10:10 (NLT) The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. - Summary: Jesus gives abundant life.
Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT) For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. - Summary: God's plans for us are good.
Proverbs 18:21 (NLT) The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences. - Summary: Our words have immense power.
James 3:9-12 (NLT) Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water? Does a fig tree produce olives, or a grapevine produce figs? No, and you can’t draw fresh water from a salty spring. - Summary: Blessing and cursing should not both come from us.
Deuteronomy 28:15 (NLT) “But if you refuse to listen to the Lord your God and do not obey all the commands and decrees I am giving you today, all these curses will come and overwhelm you: - Summary: Disobedience leads to curses.
Proverbs 26:2 (NLT) Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow, an undeserved curse will not land on its intended victim. - Summary: Undeserved curses have no effect.
Deuteronomy 23:5 (NLT) Yet the Lord your God refused to listen to Balaam. He turned the intended curse into a blessing because the Lord your God loves you. - Summary: God can turn curses into blessings.
Nehemiah 13:2 (NLT) For they had not met the Israelites with food and water but had hired Balaam to curse them. (Our God, however, turned the curse into a blessing.) - Summary: God turned Balaam's curse into blessing.
2 Kings 2:24 (NLT) When he turned around and saw them, he called down a curse on them in the name of the Lord. Suddenly two female bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of the youths. - Summary: Elisha called down curse on youths.
Jeremiah 20:14-18 (NLT) Cursed be the day I was born!
May no one celebrate my birth.
Cursed be the person
who brought my father the news that a child was born to him—
a boy who made him very glad.
May that messenger be destroyed
as the cities of Jericho and Sodom were cursed.
Curse him for the evil news
he brought my father.
He announced my birth,
but it only brought anguish and sorrow.
My father celebrated
that night I was born,
but I’ve lived to curse
each day since.
Why did I ever come out of my mother’s womb?
All I’ve known is trouble and sorrow,
and my life will end
in utter disgrace. - Summary: Jeremiah cursed his birth.
Genesis 27:28-29 (NLT) From the dew of heaven
and the richness of the earth,
may God always give you abundant harvests of grain
and bountiful new wine.
May many nations become your servants,
and may they bow down to you.
May you be the master over your brothers,
and may your mother’s sons bow down to you.
All who curse you will be cursed,
and all who bless you will be blessed. - Summary: Isaac blessed Jacob with abundance.
Genesis 49:1-28 (NLT) - [Jacob's prophetic blessings over his 12 sons] - Summary: Jacob blessed his 12 sons.
Numbers 22-24 (NLT) - [Balaam blesses Israel though hired to curse] - Summary: Though hired to curse Israel, God compelled Balaam to bless.
Numbers 23:8 (NLT) How can I curse those whom God has not cursed? How can I condemn those whom the Lord has not condemned? - Summary: Balaam refused to curse those God had blessed.
Numbers 23:23 (NLT) No curse can touch Jacob; no magic has any power against Israel. For now it will be said of Jacob, ‘What wonders God has done for Israel!’ - Summary: Balaam could only bless Israel.
2 Kings 18:17-37 (NLT) - [Assyrians taunted and cursed Jerusalem] - Summary: Assyrians shouted curses against Jerusalem.
Deuteronomy 23:5 (NLT) Yet the Lord your God refused to listen to Balaam. He turned the intended curse into a blessing because the Lord your God loves you. - Summary: God turned Balaam's curse into blessing.
Nehemiah 13:2 (NLT) For they had not met the Israelites with food and water but had hired Balaam to curse them. (Our God, however, turned the curse into a blessing.) - Summary: God turned Balaam's curse into blessing.
Matthew 12:34 (NLT) You brood of snakes! How could evil men like you speak what is good and right? For whatever is in your heart determines what you say. - Summary: Speech reveals the heart's condition.
Matthew 12:33-35 (NLT) “A tree is identified by its fruit. Make a tree good, and its fruit will be good. Make a tree bad, and its fruit will be bad. You brood of snakes! How could evil men like you speak what is good and right? For whatever is in your heart determines what you say. A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. - Summary: Good or bad speech comes from the good or evil in our hearts.
James 3:6 (NLT) And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself. - Summary: The uncontrolled tongue corrupts like fire.
James 3:9-12 (NLT) Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water? Does a fig tree produce olives, or a grapevine produce figs? No, and you can’t draw fresh water from a salty spring. - Summary: Blessing and cursing should not both come from us.
James 3:1-18 (NLT) - [James's warnings about the tongue's power] - Summary: We must control the tongue and purify it.
Matthew 5:22 (NLT) But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell. - Summary: Calling someone a fool makes you liable to judgment.
James 3:9-10 (NLT) Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! - Summary: Cursing others made in God's image is wrong.
Matthew 5:44 (NLT) But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! - Summary: We should love and pray for our enemies.
Luke 6:27-36 (NLT) - [Jesus commands to love enemies, do good to haters, bless cursers, etc] - Summary: We should love, bless, and pray for enemies.
Mark 10:45 (NLT) For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” - Summary: Jesus modeled servant leadership.
Luke 6:28 (NLT) bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. - Summary: Bless and pray for those who curse/mistreat you.
Matthew 5:44 (NLT) But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! - Summary: Love and pray for enemies/persecutors.
1 Peter 2:23 (NLT) He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly. - Summary: Christ did not retaliate when insulted.
Ephesians 4:29 (NLT) 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. - Summary: Our speech should build up others.
Colossians 3:8 (NLT) But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. - Summary: We must rid ourselves of filthy speech.
Ephesians 4:31 (NLT) Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. - Summary: We must rid ourselves of slanderous speech.
Luke 6:27-28 (NLT) “But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. - Summary: We should bless and pray for enemies.
Romans 12:14 (NLT) Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. - Summary: Bless and do not curse your persecutors.
Acts 13:6-12 (NLT) - [Elymas opposed Gospel and cursed with blindness] - Summary: Elymas strongly opposed and cursed the Gospel message.
Acts 16:16-24 (NLT) - [Paul repeatedly persecuted for Gospel preaching] - Summary: Paul and Silas persecuted for their Gospel preaching.
2 Corinthians 11:23-28 (NLT) I have worked harder, been put in prison more often, been whipped times without number, and faced death again and again. Five different times the Jewish leaders gave me thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. Once I spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea. I have traveled on many long journeys. I have faced danger from rivers and from robbers. I have faced danger from my own people, the Jews, as well as from the Gentiles. I have faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the seas. And I have faced danger from men who claim to be believers but are not. I have worked hard and long, enduring many sleepless nights. I have been hungry and thirsty and have often gone without food. I have shivered in the cold, without enough clothing to keep me warm. Then, besides all this, I have the daily burden of my concern for all the churches. - Summary: Paul endured immense suffering and opposition.
Romans 12:14 (NLT) Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. - Summary: We should bless our persecutors.
Romans 12:19-21 (NLT) Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord. Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.” Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good. - Summary: Overcome evil with good rather than revenge.
Psalm 51:10 (NLT) Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. - Summary: Ask God for a pure heart.
Matthew 12:34 (NLT) You brood of snakes! How could evil men like you speak what is good and right? For whatever is in your heart determines what you say. - Summary: Speech comes from the heart's condition.
James 1:19 (NLT) Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. - Summary: Be quick to listen, slow to speak and anger.
Proverbs 17:27-28 (NLT) The wise restrain their words;
they spare their speech, for it is more precious than jewels.
Even fools are thought wise
when they keep silent;
with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent. - Summary: Restrain hasty speech.
Proverbs 15:28 (NLT) The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking;
the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words. - Summary: The righteous consider their words.
Proverbs 21:23 (NLT) Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut,
and you will stay out of trouble. - Summary: Guarding our speech keeps us from trouble.
Ephesians 4:29 (NLT) 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. - Summary: Only speak to build others up.
Proverbs 12:18 (NLT) Some people make cutting remarks,
but the words of the wise bring healing. - Summary: Wise words bring healing.
Psalm 39:1 (NLT) I said to myself, “I will watch what I do
and not sin in what I say.
I will hold my tongue
when the ungodly are around me.” - Summary: Keep your tongue from sin.
1 Thessalonians 5:19-22 (NLT) Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. Do not scoff at prophecies, but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good. Stay away from every kind of evil. - Summary: Reject every kind of evil.
Philippians 4:8 (NLT) And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. - Summary: Focus your mind on what is pure and lovely.
Joshua 1:8 (NLT) Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. - Summary: Meditate on God's word continually.
1 John 1:9 (NLT) But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. - Summary: If we confess, God will forgive and cleanse us.
James 5:16 (NLT) Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. - Summary: Confess sins so you may be healed.
Matthew 6:14-15 (NLT) “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins. - Summary: We must forgive to receive forgiveness.
Romans 12:14 (NLT) Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. - Summary: Bless and do not curse your persecutors.
Proverbs 18:21 (NLT) The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences. - Summary: Our words have immense power.
James 3:1-12 (NLT) - [James warns against misusing the tongue] - Summary: Do not misuse your words carelessly.
Romans 8:5-6 (NLT) Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. - Summary: The Spirit-led mind leads to life and peace.
Romans 12:2 (NLT) Don’t copy the behavior 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. - Summary: Renew your mind to know God's will.
Proverbs 18:21 (NLT) The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences. - Summary: Our words have immense power.
James 3:17-18 (NLT) But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good