It is written in Genesis 1:27 that God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.
When people speak ill of others, slander, mock, ridicule, gossip, and demean one another, they are dishonoring God, who created humanity in His own image.
In 1 John 4:20-21 it is written: If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also.
Therefore, the word of God strongly draws our attention in James 3:8-12 to be mindful of how we speak about our neighbor:
But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so.
Often, pride and favoritism cause us to speak ill of others because we value one person more than another. We frequently fail to understand that the person who brings us gossip does not have our best interests at heart, as it leads us to anger, sin, and wishing harm upon our neighbor.
That is why Scripture says in James 4:6: God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.
Do not speak evil of one another, brethren. (James 4:11).
Ephesians 4:29 states: Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.
When we disrespect our neighbor or persecute them, we are walking in error, for God takes no pleasure in that.
We do well to keep in mind what is written in 2 Timothy 3:1-9 and know that we are living in perilous times, as evidenced by the changing character and conduct of people. All of this was written to prevent us from being dragged along by the system of the world.
Morality and respect are in deep decline because many people have forgotten the traditional greetings we grew up with: good morning, good afternoon, good evening, excuse me, and most importantly, “until tomorrow, God willing.” People’s eyes are set on money and material possessions, lacking respect for elders, and being lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.
People neglect their children under the pretext of “enjoying life” through alcohol, drugs, and partying, beneath a demonic veil labeled “Enjoying Life.” In doing so, they fall into adultery and all kinds of immorality, viewing it as pleasant without realizing the destruction that is gradually entering their homes.
However, remember what the word of God says in 1 John 1:9, for we all have the opportunity to repent and set things right with God.
God’s word states in Romans 2:11: For there is no partiality with God. Therefore, do not let the devil deceive you or keep you in darkness.
Remember that the word of God says in Hebrews 12:14: Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.
Sincerely,
Pastor Marcel Balootje.