Brethren often refer to
Acts 2:40 And with many
other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.”
This is an appropriate use of words, outside or in addition to the plan of salvation to direct people into Holiness or a lifestyle that reflects their conversion.
And yet words can become damaging, for your consideration.
Acts 15:24-29
24 Since we have heard that some who went out from us have troubled you with
words, unsettling your souls, saying, “You must be circumcised and keep the law”[f]—to whom we gave no such commandment— 25 it seemed good to us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, 26 men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27 We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who will also report the same things by word of mouth. 28 For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things: 29 that you abstain from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality.[g] If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well.
In the above passage we have an inappropriate use of words used by leadership to unsettle souls.
How can I make sure my words are appropriate:
- The remedy is to make sure your words are actually given by the Holy Spirit. Past revelation is no guarantee that God continues to require something.
- Given in Humility note the word "seems", be willing to have those words tested amongst brethren!
- With a intent not to lay something on someone that God doesn't
- IMHO, the theme less is best comes through
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