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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | The little words | James 3:9 | Lissamz | 136708 | ||
Matt 12:34 reads O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. This is really only about the latter section of the verse, though "for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh." The question I have is kind of personal. My ex-fiancee that I still talk to daily says a lot of things that bother me personally (I don't want to say that he says them to bother or irritate me.) But I get highly aggrevated sometimes in our conversations to the point that I want to get off the phone. The main thing that scrapes my nerves is when he answers "whatever" to just casual conversation. It won't be an arguement or even a passive aggressive situation, but he's constantly using this word, with other words and phrases that grind my nerves, too. Me, personally as a Christian, pray everyday that the Lord would bridle my tongue and make me aware of what I am saying (yes, the actual words.) Are there any other verses that can put this Scripture and it's practical application in a more clear light? Should I be reading his words this deeply or am I overreacting? |
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2 | The little words | James 3:9 | JCrichton | 136709 | ||
Hi, Lissa! As a Christian, you must represent (be Christ-like)... specially know that since your relationship has ended... your ex will constantly play on your Christianity... he has come to know you and is in a position of using what he knows to trip your emotions... basically he is manipulating you... continuing a "friendly" relationship with an ex is very politically correct (at least in the movies/shows etc.)... but I suggest to you to define this relationship in terms of your self-esteem and peace of mind... Calling or receiving a call from a person who relishes in irritating you is not a healthy habit... You do not have to become enemies, but if he cannot respect you then why expose yourself to his constant assaults?--I mean, you have explained to him how he makes you feel, haven't you? We cannot choose a family member... but we are quite capable of choosing our associates and friends! One past relation could not speak unless the very next word after "like" would be any of the choice profanities... for a time she curbed herself around me... but she would continuously fall back to her choice words... needless to say, it did not work! This relationship with your ex could be a testing ground for your patience and your Christian resolve... but I cannot but warn you that resentment is sometimes a tool that exs use in a very good disguise of "modern/cultured" persona... Have you heard about inside jobs... these are robberies or assaults caused by those who have complete or proficient knowledge of the intended target... Please, be careful--do not allow someone else to rob you of your grace and peace! God Bless! Angel |
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3 | The little words | James 3:9 | Lissamz | 136710 | ||
Angel, Thanks for your comment, but it wasn't exactly what I was looking for. I really wanted to know from Matt 12:34, could we conclude that even phrases, such as, "whatever" be taken as coming from the heart?? In our culture, "whatever" holds the connotation of not caring, being unconcerned, or a nonchalant attitude. Plus, as I say attitude, "whatever" is not usually identified with a good attitude. I've asked him why he uses "whatever" and he says that he just says it, as a figure of speech. Basically, my question is- Is he being truthful when he says that he's just saying it or because of Matt 12:34 should I infer that he is using this word and type of speech in other manners, because it is truly what he feels in his heart?? Does Matt 12:34 refer to just the serious matters that we speak of, as coming from the heart?? Or is Jesus speaking of ALL things that come out of our mouths as being from the heart?? Basically, I don't want to go to him and condemn him, if it is only that I am being irritated through his language manners by the adversary, but if not and what he is speaking is truly from his heart, then we need to speak about it. I just want to be sure and know. (of, course I am praying about it and asking the Lord for wisdom (Jam 1:5) and discernment.) Thanks, Lissa |
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4 | The little words | James 3:9 | JCrichton | 136816 | ||
Hi, Lissa! In Matthew 12:34 Jesus is speaking of matters of the heart or the deposit of our intellect and spiritual beings... even simple language as "whatever" can have a negative connotation if the heart is ill or thirsty for vengeance or wickedness... we are witness to this duality of language both at home (people, radio, tv, movies...) and elsewhere (office, school, streets...); even children are becoming more and more calloused as they imitate the adults in their lives or their "heroes/idols..." I remember when, years back, I used to relish insulting people with a smile on my face... I was so cunning and subtle that the object of my assault did not even realize it; at times it took a few secods or a third party to clarify that I had meant what I said as an insult (of couse most of the times it was done in jest; but people could never be sure when I was "just kidding"). I loved that sense of "superiority" that "crushing" peoples spirit afforded me... I was much like a stand-up comic... looking for ways to pull the rug from under those around me... Words are so seemingly neutral... yet, we can, and have, learn to twist and bend them just the right way to cause as much or more damage and pain than sticks and stones! This is precisely why there are admonishions in Scripture about the words that we use... I love James 3:9 so much because it liberated me from the negative power of words--OK James uses tongue, instead; just think, if a smile can brighten someone's life... how much more can a pleasant, supportive, and hopeful word/s do? Negative and hurtful words can cause irreparable damage and deep-rooted pain. The worst part is that once released we can never take back the harm we cause with these negavite words--many relationships fail due to the practice of one or both parties engaging in the battle of words. This is why it is so important for Christians to measure themselves and to check their anger at the beginning of any interchange with others, specially with God! (James 1:19-20)... This said, I must counsel you that though we cannot judge another person's deposit of the heart, people, through self-disclosure, reveal to us the treasures that they have stored in their hearts (Jesus words, though not ad verbum)... We are highly intelligent beings... when speaking to others, even over the telephone, we can tell when the other person is distracted, eating, attempting to carry on a conversation with others at his/her end--no matter how subtle the exchange is--, we can tell if the person is happy, sad, tormented with worry, smiling, sympathetic, apathetic... the more intimate the relationship, the more the mind is able to read from the voice, the words, the entonations, the pauses... You are in a position of knowing your ex's habits, body language, and capacity to control or demoralize other people... Culturally "whatever" has become the quintessential word of completeness (encompassing all spectrums: good, bad and ugly--work with me... sometimes I run into old movies or songs in my analogies!)... too often, when people fail to have facts supporting their arguments they resort to use "whatever" as a shield to reject the opposite argument/s... this allows them to safe face by not admitting that their position is wrong! You may not be able to distinguish between animosity or sauciness when speaking with a stranger... but you are able to read your ex in light of your past personal relationship with him... without passing unjust judgment, you can distinguish between a charged or sassy "whatever" or whatever other expressions he may use! Remember to weigh in all of the conversation... if you simply dissect one word out of the total you may elevate it to a value beyond its original intent... the tone of the conversation is also important to gauge the meaning of words... is he being disrespectful, loud, angry, accusatory, defensive, unduly agressive or argumentative...? Lastly, define the status of your relationship... where is it, where is it heading, are there ulterior motives behind the dialy communications, is there a future (or hope for) reconciliation? As a Christian you are obliged to keep the peace and to behave with more justice than the world... but never are you obligated to suffer the world to the extent of sacrificing Christ's Doctrine... Love does not exact selfish deeds... make him aware, if you have not done so yet, of how much he is hurting you; and set clear boundaries on your relationship with him! If after all the prayers, and patient requests your ex cannot curb the behavior which causes you to lose your peace (and eventually your grace), you must consider distancing yourself from him... God Bless! Angel |
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Questions and/or Subjects for James 3:9 | Author | ||
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Lissamz | ||
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JCrichton | ||
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Lissamz | ||
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JCrichton |