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For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!
~Galatians 5:13-15
We are called to liberty. Not as an opportunity for the flesh, but instead as an opportunity to serve, love and edify one another. God has been pressing my heart for some time, to be cautious. To harness my words and use restraint if I want to claim Him as Lord. If I want to say that my words are from His heart. I think I have a scarred tongue from the times I wanted to let loose a scathing response or comment. But you know, Jesus expects nothing less from us, because He has embraced the law with His own flesh by dying…literally for us. So why do we bite and devour each other? Why do we waste our words on anything less than that which brings Him glory?
May we not consume one another we who say, “I belong to Jesus.”, and “I am a Christian.”
Do not be rash with your mouth,
And let not your heart utter anything hastily before God.
For God is in heaven, and you on earth;
Therefore let your words be few.
Ecclesiastes 5:2
May we be careful to consider our words, wherever they are released.
May we recognize that loving our neighbor as ourselves includes neighbors we disagree with, neighbors who despise us and neighbors who mistreat us. It includes those close to us, those around the world, those in our own denomination, and those opposed to our beliefs.
It includes, your own family and those outside your immediate circle. Those in our own church and the church down the street. Those in every tribe, race and nation.
You want to start a revolution in your church, your town, your world?
Learn to love like that. Don’t waste your words on that which is unworthy. Let’s learn what God desires for each one of us today and for the days ahead when he through Jesus made clear His will:
“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Let us not “consume” one another, with our words, or deeds.
Because if we succeed, Christian, who will be left to tell the Good News?
I do not have all the answers and for sure I do not have this all down. But my heart desires to yield to His will. May we let our words be few, but meaningful, recognizing the power that they hold to impact others for good, or bad in the days we walk here for the time we do.
Oh that, my words be few- but mighty for you, Lord. I ask that you would make it so, and for those who desire to do likewise- make us mighty in You, united in love, bold but humble witnesses of your grace and truth. In Jesus name. Amen.
Even if a unity of faith is not possible, a unity of love is.
Hans Urs von Balthasar
** I want to add that my Bloggy BFF, Pam from In the Shadow of His WIngs blogged a similar message in her own wonderful way in this post ” Adding to the Noise “.
Enthusiastically, Dawn 
amen my friend.
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Bravo, and Amen!
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Yeah man and amen! And thanks for the mention, Dawn. ❤
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Dawn, thank you for writing this. My smallish town has become embroiled in a bitter debate, both sides being Christians. It's gotten ugly, it's on the internet. These words gave a voice to the sadness I've been feeling over the whole ordeal. Let our words be few!
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Beautiful! Found this over at Barbie's – but I also saw you mentioned it on facebook! Yes – the 'tagline' if you will that God gave me this year rings loud and clear in this post as well… Speak Life. Be Love. Shine On.
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Sometimes less words is the best thing. Showing love doesn't always have to be spoken. It's also by our actions, or sometimes, lack thereof. AMEN!
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Yes, yes, yes. Our words are precious gifts that we are to bless others with, not destroy them with. What a beautiful testimony when our words show love above all. Thanks for this, Dawn.
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