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NASB | 1 Corinthians 13:1 If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 Corinthians 13:1 ¶ If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love [for others growing out of God's love for me], then I have become only a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal [just an annoying distraction]. |
Bible Question:
Loud Mouthed Christian: Help! I have a friend who believes in the sovereignty of God to the extent that it seems to be causing problems. I'm not sure how to help her. She is convinced that God puts people in her path so that she might 'bless' them by exercising her gift of teaching. Due to God’s sovereignty, she believes that her thoughts at the time of her 'divine appointments' are ordered by God and that she should speak them (all). The problem is, she exercises little or no restraint in what she says. In her mind, its all from God. Since she believes her thoughts at those times are placed there by God, they should be a blessing to others. She pours out thought after thought, much of it unrelated to the person’s actual needs. She goes on and on like a person starved for conversation. She dominates all bible studies, prayer groups and individual conversations. It drives everyone, including her leaders, nuts. She believes that God's word doesn't return void and she is therefore justified spouting off whatever happens to come to her. She has been confronted many times by others, including pastors, to tone it down but she can't seem to receive it. I mentioned to her that her 'teaching ministry' might be more effective in the Church if Christians were open to hearing what she has to say, but that her style has alienated almost everyone. Her response was that Jesus didn't worry about what people thought of him and he didn't try to censor what he had to say just to placate his listeners and so neither should she (so much for my first argument). I also told her that some thoughts are probably not from God and that she should therefore be slow to speak them. I also told her that some of her thoughts are likely for her only and not for sharing with others. Between these two circumstances a lot of her thoughts would therefore not be appropriate to speak out. These ideas seemed new to her but she still shows no signs of slowing down. She is so used to people slamming her that she has her defenses in high gear. I've been praying for her and believe God has a place in his body for her. She is otherwise lovely and committed. Please pray for her and if you have some scriptures that might help her please pass them on to me. |
Bible Answer: I can only suggest that you refer your friend to Paul's letter as referenced above, but it would be good to refer her specifically to Chapters 12, 13 and 14. The most important feature that we are to learn is that in the manifestation of God's Gospel to us is that He should get the glory. If there's any other motivation involved, it's NOT from God. The most attractive characteristic of a true christian is NOT how much they're spouting His Word but how much love they're showing in their actions. Everyone knows "actions speaks volumes over our words." You might also remind your friend that God's Word is already been completed thousands of years ago and there are no supplements allowed as per Paul. 2 Cor 11:3 But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ. 4For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough. 5But I do not think I am in the least inferior to those "super-apostles." Further, we know from Paul's letter 2 Tim 3:10-17, God's Word was completed long ago AND there would be those who would try add to or pervert God's Word. So urge your friend to compare her words and make certain they match those in the Bible, else she'll be labeled a false teacher. I hope God blesses you with patience and tolerance as both of you grow and mature in your journey toward Him. |