Gossip: The Spirit That Devours

As I walked down this dark, and menacing street; I could see a human figure standing in a house. As I looked closer, I noticed that the person was bleeding all over, it had a few missing limbs, and the body had missing flesh like leprosy. At first I was alarmed because I wanted to help someone who I thought was injured. It cried out to beckon me to come closer but it looked so frightening that I stayed away at a distance. It was something out of a horror movie. I felt sorry for it but it had a knife in its hand, and knew that I would fall victim to it if I came closer. Somehow I knew it would devour me because it had cannibalized itself.

My spirit shuddered at the thought of this hideous creature, and I woke up frightened from this dream. As I lay in bed wondering why I would have such horrible dream; God began to show me what it all meant. The person you saw the Holy Spirit explained, "Is a wounded Christian." Every time it gossips, and slanders others it devours itself. That is why it is missing limbs. It has cut off people in the body of Christ. The body continuously bleeds because of the injuries it inflicts upon itself. It uses self pity to lure you into comforting it but it will devour you as well. Don't come near to the spirit that devours. It is the sin of slander, gossip, and those who bring division.

By now you may be wondering how this may fall in line with the bible or still be trying to get this frightening picture out of your head. The bible says, But if you bite, and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another! (Galatians 5:15). Unfortunately, this is a recurring problem among believers. I have been behind many closed door leadership meetings which turned into witch hunts, and gossip sessions which cannibalize upon the weaker members of the body of Christ. It starts with suspicion, then divulging personal information about them which is gossip, and then finishes them off with some slander. It is all justified in the name of protecting leadership from these in-subordinates, and free thinkers. Those who upset the apple cart, and refuse to keep in line with the unspoken protocols of leadership, get targeted first.

I once sat in a church, and saw yellow barrels of toxic waste with that radioactive sign on them. I was wondering why I was seeing this. I later found out that the members of the church were speaking against leadership, and the leadership was speaking against the members. It was a toxic environment, and full of contamination. I made sure to leave that place quickly lest I too be caught up in all the drama. On another occasion I left another ministry because the person in charge kept judging people I knew personally. They would send me written articles about them that discredited their ministry, when in reality most of the things written were hearsay or libel. "Why can't you just meet them in person or make the attempt to see if these things are true," I would ask. They would then tell me that they felt a check in their spirit, and would write them off. That's what gossip does. It prevents others from seeing that person for who they really are because it has distorted their image to others. Before we continue let's define gossip: It is the personal information or private matters of others. Whether it be true or false; it is nobody's business. Even though gossip is damaging to people's reputation...slander is malicious lies made up to discredit others.

My friend, you have to be very careful with your words. He who covers a transgression seeks love, But he who repeats a matter separates friends. Proverbs 17:9 When I see people making it their job to expose others in the body or find it their duty to write long articles about all the faults of others, I know that reconciliation, and restoration is not the process they are seeking. A self righteous attitude, and a religious spirit is what motivates people to speak hurtful words. Fault finding, and slander is rooted in pride. If you make careful examination of the scriptures, you will find that Jesus' ministry was always maligned by the religious community. They hated that He challenged their tradition, and religious protocols. He started a love revolution that was not focused on outward appearance but inner heart attitudes.

You love evil more than good,
Lying rather than speaking righteousness. Selah
You love all devouring words,
You deceitful tongue. Psalm 52:3-4

In James it says that the tongue is unruly member that sets things on fire. The only way to stop a fire is to put it out by not spreading it. Jesus taught that it wasn't what comes into our mouths that defiles us but what comes out of our mouths. What comes out of our mouths, comes out of hearts. The bible exhorts us to be, "Looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled." (Hebrews 12:15). See more on bitterness here

We need to be very careful who we are listening to. You may not be spreading the gossip but if you are listening to it you are being defiled by the dirt others are dishing out. If you want a clever way to stop gossip or slander here is something you can do to stop it. Get everyone to pray for the person they are talking about. It works every time. Not only does it cleanse the atmosphere of the spiritual contamination it also cleanses everyone from being defiled. Remember God did not call us to be toxic waste dumps so people can dump their trash into our spirit. This principle applies to complaining, negativity, criticism, dirty jokes, and reviling (abusive speech). See more on reviling here.

Be bold, and don't be afraid to let people know that you refuse to listen to their defiling words. I once knew somebody who was struggling with bisexuality, and they kept getting into details of all their perverse behavior. Even though I was counseling them, I realized that their words were full of deceit, and seduction. The Holy Spirit told me to stop talking to them because their words were defiling my spirit. If people won't repent from their behavior after they have been told what God's Word says; then move on. You have no obligation to continue to put up with someone's behavior, especially if they show no signs of trying to make a change. There will always be two kinds of people: Those who will fall, feel bad, and try to get better or those who fall, and make excuses for their sin. If they are making excuses for their sin then allow the Holy Spirit to bring correction to their lives. Getting a spanking from God doesn't feel good but it works the peaceable fruit of righteousness.

One more thing that I would like to address, and that's the legal side of gossip or slander. If you write something that is untrue about others, and you put it on Facebook or online; then you may be breaking the law. Libel is the crime of publishing untrue spoken words about others. It is against the law to misrepresent someone's character in such a way that it hurts their ministry or business. You can be sued for this especially if it is done maliciously causing a loss of income or business for that person. You better think twice about what you decide to publish online. If you want to address an issue using people's names isn't necessary. Just state your position, and let public opinion decide what is acceptable or unacceptable behavior. As Christians we should uphold higher standards.

Correction should not be done in public forums unless you have followed the protocol of going to that person first, and even then it should never be done in front of nonbelievers. Jesus did not make it his job to go and correct everyone that He felt was off base. He lived His life as an example, and He preached the truth. When He corrected people it was done face to face. Believe me, He had no problem calling the Pharisees hypocrites or a brood of vipers. However, the reason Jesus had such a problem with the religious community was over this statement right here, "But if you had known what this means, ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the guiltless." (Matthew 12:7) In other words the Pharisees' biggest hang up was that they showed little mercy, and had condemning attitudes towards others. Don't get caught up in this religious attitude. Search your heart now, and repent if you have seen yourself in this article. God will receive those of a contrite heart. Amen?

Let's pray:

Father, I have been very judgmental towards others and I ask you to forgive me. Help me never participate in conversations that don't edify anyone or glorify you. Give me a heart of mercy, and love towards others. Change me, and help me be more like Jesus everyday in Jesus name, Amen. 

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Stewardship Series: Words of Life or Death?

In the following series we will be dealing with some very destructive mindsets that have crept into the church which have caused some unwanted effects on many Christians. These mindsets have caused anything from continued failed relationships, harmful habits, poverty, compromise and unsuccessful attempts at breaking addictions. It has also kept many Christians from reaching their personal goals and obtaining the prophetic promises of God. Much of this has to do with the idea that all the work has already been done on God's side. While the work of the grace has freed us from the power of sin, death and the grave. However, it has not taken care of our responsibility to work on our character, integrity, motives and attitudes. From the beginning God's intention was to hand mankind dominion and authority over the earth. He gave us all a free will. He gave Adam and Eve the power to name the animals and decide whether they would obey Him. Everyday we become either victims or victors depending on the decisions we make. In this particular blog we will deal with the power of our words. We need to remember that we were made after the likeness of God. He created everything with His words and the bible teaches us that: 

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit. (Proverbs 18:21).

Some of us have been eating the fruit of the words that others have spoken over us. Some of you reading this today are slowly dying from the words of death caused by criticism, slander, malice, backbiting, gossip and negativity. Despite of what people say; words will hurt you but we should never allow those words to define us. Sadly, some of these words have come from those who claim to know and live for Christ. Their words betray them. Jude declares a warning to those who have gone in the way of Cain:

Woe to them! For they have gone in the way of Cain, have run greedily in the error of Balaam for profit, and perished in the rebellion of Korah. (Jude 1:11).

Whoever secretly slanders his neighbor, Him I will destroy; The one who has a haughty look and a proud heart, Him I will not endure. (Proverbs 101:5).

What was the way of Cain? Cain murdered his brother because he felt slighted by God. He became offended at the thought that God might have been favoring his brother Abel. Instead of correcting the things in his own life so that he too could please God he came against his brother out of jealousy. Some of you might immediately dismiss the idea of this applying to you because you would never think of murdering anyone. Yet Jesus taught that we can murder people in our hearts through judgment, words and hatred. 

“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’ 22 But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell fire. 23 Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. (Matthew 5:21-24).

The Apostle of Love also admonishes us not to be like Cain.

For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another, 12 not as Cain who was of the wicked one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his works were evil and his brother’s righteous. (1 John 3:11-13)

I can't count the many times I have personally witnessed leaders slander people in their fellowship. They think that because they do it behind closed doors that God cannot see. Before long it becomes a toxic waste dump and the Holy Spirit is no where to be found. Believe me when I tell you that I have personally witnessed the destruction of many churches over words. God can not be part of this behavior. The bible calls this spiritual cannibalism. 

For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another! (Galatians 5:14-15)

What's worse is the gossip and libel that hurts many ministries. Just because it's on the internet does not mean it is true. There are tons of claims online from offended Christians. Some are true but most of the time no one bothered to go to the offender to get things right or pray for them. Pride is a huge reason for these types of behavior. I am better than you because you have hang ups. Yet we fail to see our own short comings. The next quote is true.

'We tend to judge others by their behaviour, and ourselves by our intentions'
Albert F Schlieder?

What we don't understand is that there is nothing that grieves God's Spirit more than the hurtful words that come out our mouths. When we start accusing others in suspicion we have taken up Satan's job. We walk in darkness. God has made us stewards over our words because we are the ones that have control over our tongues. We need to hand over our tongues to God so that by grace he can help us bridle them. The bible tell us to not allow anything out of our mouth that does not impart grace to the hearers. What does that mean? It means that when we speak we are allowing God's mercy and love to encourage others to come up higher in Christ. I have heard many preachers cut people down so low that they feel like worthless worms unable to live their lives for Christ. That's not grace it's judgment. 

Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. 32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. (Ephesians 4:29-32).

My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment. 2 For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. (James 3:1-2).

If you have read this today and realize that you have offended others with your words and hurt people in the name of the law. Please take the time to pray with me and ask God to forgive us for our carelessly wielding our tongue: 

Father, I ask you to forgive me for not imparting your grace to others and for not bridling my tongue. Forgive us for the slander, gossip, malice and libel in your church. Help us God not to walk in darkness by being suspicious and hurling accusations at others. Help me speak life over others and not death. I ask you to have your Holy Spirit shed his love upon my heart so that I can stop being so judgmental and critical of others. Put a guard over my mouth that I may not grieve your Spirit. Thank you God. Amen.

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Jaziz Gutierrez
http://www.loverevivalrevolution.com
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What To Do With A Prodigal?

So many times as parents we feel helpless when our loved ones stray from the faith or get caught up in illegal activities or destructive behaviors. As parents what do we do in times like these? How far do we let them go before we intervene? As we struggle within ourselves to do the right thing there is a fleeting thought in the midst of our agonizing prayers...God is a father too.

Bitterness the Poison In Our Souls

Exercise foresight and be on the watch to look [after one another], to see that no one falls back from and fails to secure God’s grace (His unmerited favor and spiritual blessing), in order that no root of resentment (rancor, bitterness, or hatred) shoots forth and causes trouble and bitter torment, and the many become contaminated and defiled by it

—Heb 12:15 Amplified

How do people become bitter?
Bitterness comes from unmet expectations, past hurt, continuous injustice, breach of trust, slander, violations against the human soul such as broken boundaries, and other people who are bitter. Bitterness or resentment will cause you to fail to secure God's grace! God's grace in this scripture is charis: favor, goodwill, loving-kindness, and mercy of God. We need to sow mercy (undeserved love) into others so we can reap it in ours. Please read over Hebrews 12:15 carefully. Bitterness will cause us to live in torment and becomes a spiritual contamination in your life that contaminates others. Everywhere we go it will cause trouble. We won't be able to get along with others because if we feel they touch us wrong we will overreact because bitterness is a festering wound. Imagine a wound with pus coming out of it. That's what bitterness looks like in the spirit. Let's look at this word defile it means to: to dye with another color, to stain, pollute, and to defile with sins. As God's bride, our wedding dress needs to be without stain. When other people are bitter it is our responsibility to guard our hearts and keep ourselves without stain. Let's see how we can become bitter or defiled.

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. 32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:30-32

Like I mentioned before bitterness can come from other people. The number one way to get contaminated by bitterness is evil speaking. When I looked up the word "evil speaking" in the Greek it is the word blasphemia which means injurious speech, slander, impious and reproachful speech. In today's terminology, abusive speech or reviling is the number one way to become resentful. Deep resentment or bitterness is also the root of anger (violent emotion), clamor (loud and confused noise especially that of people shouting in an intense manner) wrath (inflaming wine which either drives the drinker mad or kills him with its strength)!

The devil is never content to keep his misery to himself. He likes to destroy the purity of our heart by filling it with anger, resentment, violence, and lust. He hates the purity in children. That's why he works so hard to destroy the innocence of children by trying to expose them to drugs, alcohol, evil speaking(music), violent content, and pornography. It's our job as parents or guardians to guard their hearts by guarding ours. The devil wants us to stay in the sin of resentment or bitterness so he can dwell with us. "Be angry, and do not sin. Do not let the sun go down on your wrath, 27 nor give place to the devil." (Ephesians 4:26) This word "place" means opportunity and power as well as habitation. When we stay in the sin of bitterness or resentment we have rented out space to the devil in our minds and hearts. When we don't forgive it grieves the Holy Spirit. God's word exhorts us to "forgive one another as Christ forgave you." Before the sun goes down every day we should make it a habit to forgive and let go of bitterness. 

The Nature of Bitterness

Bitterness is a weed that springs forth from the heart continuously wanting to be watered by new offenses, and new people. Unfortunately, this weed is a blind spot in many people's lives. It is often hard to see because it tends to live in the minds, and hearts of those who have harbored a grudge. They nurse it continuously in their conversations by repeating the matter in their minds. Soon this weed starts to affect the personality of the person making them cynical, sarcastic, suspicious, critical, negative and having a sour attitude. They also eventually become hardened, unresponsive to God, alienating them from people until they find themselves alone. Bitterness is a stronghold caused by thoughts that slither around in the minds of the offended making them get lost in their darkened thoughts for vengeance or retaliation.

It often punishes others for the mistakes of someone who had committed the wrong. That includes not helping others when being asked for help or being grudging about giving of themselves. You can tell someone is bitter by the way they bring up those who have offended them. They blame the person for what is happening in their life now and slander them behind their backs. They displace the anger they feel onto people who remind them of the offender. They assume that everyone will treat them the same way, and never give that person a chance to prove themselves. They recreate the offense to prove to themselves that they have every right to be angry thus keeping bitterness alive in their hearts. Bitterness gives them a sense of entitlement to hurt others just like they have been hurt. They often make excuses for mistreating others. Love and compassion are non-existent in the place of bitterness. They cannot co-exist. People that are bitter are often critical, judgmental, over-sensitive, and find it hard to be kind to others. After all, everyone is out to hurt, offend or disappoint them. Some times the person sulks in long periods of self-pity citing every offense as a reason for their present woes.

Unforgiveness has very similar aspects to bitterness. However, bitterness tends to mask its true feelings behind flattery, a fake smile, and hidden hostility. Unforgiveness makes a solid decision to blacklist the person and move onto other things. Bitterness spreads like cancer polluting the waters of that person's spirit. Eventually, they vomit up the bitter waters of their soul in their conversations defiling the hearers, and sowing discord wherever they go. This is especially dangerous if you are sitting under someone who is bitter, and ministers out of a place of bitterness. You can be sure that they will continually bring up past events, and offenders to justify present actions. The focus is continually on those who are offending them, and never on their own character flaws. If perchance that person gets others to take on the offense; division, and strife ensue. The root of bitterness is pride. It can not get past the fact that someone actually rejected them, offended them, hurt them, corrected them or moved on in their lives.

Bitterness is like a tea bag it seeps in the hot water of every conceivable imagination, and lie inspired by hell. Soon, those who are bitter start to become paranoid, suspicious, and find fault in others. You will often see these people either writing blogs or making videos of other ministers they believe are part of the great conspiracy against all Christians or heavily involved in finding secret government plots. They become known for all kinds of conspiracy theories and often will run from any submission to authority. Their hurt drives them from any commitment or intimate friendship with anyone. I'm not trying to make a blanket statement here, just understand there are various degrees to unforgiveness, and bitterness is its fruit.

If any of this has any striking similarities then understand that most everyone you know has been hurt at one time or the other including Jesus. We can't stay in that hurt and live there. My friends, if you recognized any of these behaviors please realize that we have no right to stay in the sin of unforgiveness or keep a record of wrongs against us. We are not to be "conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride); rude (unmannerly) and acting unbecomingly. We do not insist on our own rights or our own way, we are not to be self-seeking; touchy or fretful or resentful; we should not take account of the evil done to us [or pay attention to a suffered wrong.]" (1 Corinthians 13:5) Amp. my version

Perhaps you know someone like that then here is my advice: Bind the lying spirit that continues to whisper in their ear, and ask God to loose their will from every evil spirit that is controlling them either emotionally or mentally. No one can really free a person from this unless they are willing to let go of it.

Why you should let go of bitterness
1. You will actually not be able to move on or grow up spiritually if you don't let go of offenses, hurt and unforgiveness. It will actually keep you in a backslidden state.

2. Your prayers will be hindered. You will cease to walk in favor.

“And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.” (Mark 11:25-26)

Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered. (1 Peter 3:7)

3. We can not embrace our future if we stay in the past.

Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14

4. We give power to the person to continually hurt us by repeating the matter over and over again in our hearts. We also give our power and authority over to the devil to keep us in bondage to him. It becomes a chain around our necks.

5. We are not hurting the person that hurts us. We are actually hurting any chance of having a healthy, and happy relationship in the future.

6. We need to realize that most people deserved to be judged but that is something God decides not us. We also need to understand that we also deserve to be judged but God mercy on us.

For we know Him Who said, Vengeance is Mine [retribution and the meting out of full justice rest with Me]; I will repay [I will exact the compensation], says the Lord. And again, The Lord will judge and determine and solve and settle the cause and the cases of His people. Hebrews 10:30 Amp.

7. Jesus said, that if we want to be forgiven then that same privilege must be extended to others.

And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven (left, remitted, and let go of the debts, and have given up resentment against) our debtors.

14 For if you forgive people their trespasses [their reckless and willful sins, leaving them, letting them go, and giving up resentment], your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their trespasses [their reckless and willful sins, leaving them, letting them go, and giving up resentment], neither will your Father forgive you your trespasses.

(Matthew 6:12, 14-15)

8. Retaliation or passive aggression is the same as taking vengeance. God knows our hearts, and this behavior is not from God.

Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. 18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. (Romans 12:17-18)

9. Letting go of the seed of anger when you are initially offended or hurt. We can not afford to give the devil a foothold into the door of our life. It actually gives the devil the right to torment us. See the parable of the unforgiving servant in (Matthew 18:21-35)

10. The only way to overcome evil is to do good to those who hurt us.

Therefore
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
If he is thirsty, give him a drink;
For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.”
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:20-21)

Getting Free From Bitterness or Unforgiveness:
1. Please realize that no one "owes" you anything. This would make them debtors and Jesus called us to forgive our "debtors." People don't owe us anything because they are not our source. When we make other people our source we make them idols in our lives. People were never meant to be the source of our peace, acceptance, love, joy, and approval. That goes against our original design. When we make other people our source we give over our power to them. Then they decide for us when we should be happy, have peace, feel loved, feel adequate, feel secure and know our worth. In essence, this is the root of all codependent behavior. It stems from a mindset of entitlement or feeling like people "owe" us.

2. Pray for those who have hurt you. This is a kingdom secret! This will cultivate the ground of your heart and make you ready to truly release the person from your heart. At first, you may not feel like it but do it in faith and your heart will follow.

But I tell you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. (Matthew 5:44)

3. Ask God, by the Holy Spirit, to search your heart and reveal hidden hurts or resentments that may be buried.

Search me, O God, and know my heart;
Try me, and know my anxieties;
And see if there is any wicked way in me,
And lead me in the way everlasting. (Psalm 139:23-24)

4. Forgiveness is an act of our will. Ask God for the grace to help you do this task and then make a list of people who have hurt you and talk to God about what they did.

For example, you can pray the following:

I forgive _________for____________ and I release them to you. I refuse to bring this up anymore or think about it. I shall not repeat the matter or rehearse it in my mind or heart. Do this until all feelings of hurt are gone.

Here is a checklist of possible people you need to forgive:

1. Parents

2. Siblings

3. Ministers

4. Yourself

5. Abusers

6. People who have used you.

7. Employers

8. Friends

9. Children

10. Other family members

11. Strangers

12. God

4. After we have prayed and forgiven them we must be willing to destroy the mental and emotional records of those who have hurt us.

5. We must be willing to go to that person and make things right in person. We are not responsible for the response of others.

Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar and go your way. First, be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. (Matthew 5:23-24)

Special Note: Some people are best left alone if they are holding a grudge against you, and will not relent in their abusive behavior towards you. Just stay away. Forgive, forget, and pray for them at a distance. It is not necessary to stay in relationships that are toxic to prove you forgave them. Also, forgiveness does not mean self-martyrdom which means you continue to allow them to hurt you to prove you are good Christian. Even Jesus knew when to keep his distance from vindictive religious folks.

If you are in an abusive relationship or marriage please read:
When to Leave An Abusive Relationship If you find this article helpful or would like to donate to our ministry please do so on our home page by visiting our website:
Jaziz Gutierrez
Official Website: https://www.jazizgutierrez.com/
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Number One Sin In The Church

I don’t know what is happening lately but the Holy Spirit has been speaking to me in the wee hours of the morning causing me to become restless in my sleep.  The Holy Spirit asked me a question, “Do you know what the number one sin in my church is?”  I rolled around a few thoughts but honestly could not think of anything because I was still in the daze.  I heard the word “reviling.”  Over and over again the word reviling kept tumbling around in my spirit until I got out of bed to look it up. 

Revile – Synonyms: rant, rail

To use abusive or scornful language against (someone or something)

To assail with contemptuous or opprobrious language;
Address or speak of abusively.

I was surprised because this was totally unexpected.  What is even more shocking that Jesus said that it could send us to hell!!!

Matthew 5:21-22 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’ But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell fire.

Matthew 12:36 But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment.

Wow.  Who doesn’t call people names on the freeway or say things about others in frustration.  Have you ever called someone and idiot or a jerk?  This is not any better than calling someone a fool.  God’s word says that we will give an account for every idle word.  We need to repent of our slip ups too!  I started to really feel convicted and the fear of the Lord took over when I read the following:

1 Corinthians 6:9-11 Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, ¹⁰ nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. ¹¹ And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.

That’s right you read it.  You will not inherit God’s kingdom if you habitually call people names, curse, tell people off and verbally abuse others.  They put this sin in the same list of sins as adultery and homosexuality.  Why is reviling so bad?  It violates the second commandment of loving others as you would love yourself.  I told this to someone and they responded to this by saying, “How in the world can we live up to this standard?”  Note the following scripture.

^{1 Peter 2:21-23} For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:²² “Who committed no sin,
Nor was deceit found in His mouth”; ²³ who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously;

Jesus was our perfect example.  He was abused the Roman government and Jews.  He did not retaliate.  He did not open his mouth to defend himself.  He did not argue.  He did not give them a piece of His mind.  This can only happen if we walk in humility.  If we walk in pride then we will stir up strife. 

There will be Christians reading this who have made it a habit to abuse their spouses and children with their words.  You may also be guilty of abusing others at work or on the road. According to God’s word you are a reviler and cannot inherit the Kingdom of God.  You need to repent.  Jesus said, “You are in danger of hell fire!”  I could tone this down but we need to grasp the gravity of the consequences of living this way.  In God’s mind verbal abuse and name calling is injuring someone else’s spirit.  Some of you be struggling being in the presence of God not really knowing that this being caused by this sin.  I’m not saying this is easy but God’s standards are clear:

Matthew 5:43-48 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.

This is when true grace comes in and helps us become Holy.  Some may confuse grace as an excuse to sin but true grace helps you live for God.  There is a blessing for those who allow themselves to be persecuted and reviled. 
(1) They inherit the kingdom of heaven.
(2) They receive a great reward in heaven
(3) They shall take their place alongside the prophets were persecuted for righteousness sake.

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:10-12)

Let’s pray:
Dear Jesus, we ask you to forgive us for using our mouth as a weapon and hurting others with it.  We understand this violates the second commandment of loving others as ourselves.  We repent of being a reviler and ask that you would help us by putting a guard over our mouths.  Please change our hearts.  Your Word says that whatever comes out of our mouths, comes out our hearts and is defiling us.  Cleanse us from all defilement and heal all those we have hurt with our words by being careless. Forgive us for every idle word.  We are asking that your Holy Spirit bring to mind the things we may be doing and help us change them.  In Jesus Name. Amen.

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Jaziz Gutierrez
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