Page 84 - Family Life Student Textbook

Proverbs 18:21 “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat
its fruit.”

Proverbs 16:24 “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the
bones.”

Ecclesiastes 10:12 “Words from the mouth of the wise are gracious, but fools are consumed
by their own lips.”

Colossians 4:6 “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you
may know how to answer everyone.”

Ephesians 4:29 “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what
is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who
listen.”

The Old Testament placed great importance upon the blessings that a father would give to his children.
People lived their lives under the influence of these blessings and were greatly affected by them. We need
to be reminded of the importance of the opportunity to speak words of great encouragement and influence
into the lives of our family members. Let us make sure that rather than living in the memory of our
criticisms, our family members can live in the memory of our blessings.

This relationship is based on an attitude of forgiveness rather than bitterness and anger.

1 Peter 2:23 “When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered,
he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.”

Forgiveness is so very important to prevent bitterness and resentment. Forgiveness is a choice, in obedience
to God's command. Jesus set the example for us in forgiving even those who crucified him.

1 Peter 2:21–22 “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an
example, that you should follow in his steps. “He committed no sin, and no deceit was
found in his mouth.”

We need to follow his example. Certainly no one will ever harm us to the degree Jesus was harmed. We are
commanded to forgive as he forgave. He has forgiven us of everything. And we can forgive others of
everything as well.

Remember that all of God's power is available to me when I entrust myself fully to the father and I'm
filled with the Holy Spirit.

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