Just read the Scriptures to see how much people sin on a daily basis, for from almost every mouth come offenses against God's servants. The biggest mistake happens when individuals do not pay attention to their own words. Unfortunately, some believe that using foul language or acting dishonestly is productive. The devil is the king of foolishness!

The guidance of the Holy Spirit is that we strip ourselves of everything that has an evil or carnal origin, because He cannot dwell where sinful practices prevail. It is the Holy Spirit who convicts man of sin, judgment, and righteousness (John 16:8). Now, when the saved choose to live according to the flesh, they become completely lost in the web of error and fulfill the purposes of darkness. It is necessary to put off the old nature so that Christ may work (Ephesians 4:22).

The apostle Paul instructs us to remove anger from our lives. Even if people have hurt us deeply, we must not let hatred and resentment contaminate us. Now, if the Holy Spirit finds another dweller within us, He will not fight with the one who has been accepted to take His place. Therefore, God must be the Lord of our lives.

Some people move from anger to an even more destructive stage: rage. When we speak of rage, we are referring to uncontrolled indignation which erupts with intensity and may result in physical or verbal aggression. This emotion undoubtedly originates from hell, and if it is not restrained, it can cause great harm to those who are controlled by it.  

We must also remove malice from our hearts, which is the practice of deceiving others. Because of this sin, many lose the blessings that God would give them. A malicious person sees evil in everyone and provokes those with short tempers to act outside the Lord’s control and even outside common sense. How many lives have been lost because of malicious people spreading lies? Why let cunning reign?  

Another sad reality is the practice of slander. Unfortunately, both mature Christians and those new to the faith are often not taught to take responsibility for living in a way that pleases God. Making malicious comments about anyone can be understood as defamation or slander, so the injured party can take legal action against their aggressors. Regardless of legal consequences, we must love everyone. Believe in the Lord and proceed according to His Word!

Those who are born again must be careful not to become a stumbling block to others. Crude conversations must be avoided both inside and outside the church. It is healthy to use good language, so that we never say anything unclean to the Lord. What we offer to Him should also be offered to others. Live according to the design of the Most High!

           In Christ, with love,

          R. R. Soares