August 4, 2011 Speak

Speak
Read Ezekiel 31 – 33

Ezekiel 33:8-9 When I say to the wicked, “O wicked man, you will surely die,’ and you do not speak out to dissuade him from his ways, that wicked man will die for his sin, and I will hold you accountable for his blood. 9 But if you do warn the wicked man to turn from his ways and he does not do so, he will die for his sin, but you will have saved yourself.”

WHAT DOES speaking in love to someone sound like? It could be, “I love you.” “Nice work.” Or “You need to stop your wasteful living.” How is that last one “speaking in love”?
God is straightforward. He tells us that we who know his truth are held accountable for his command to tell the “wicked” of their sinful activity.
Does this make you uncomfortable? It does me. I don’t like to talk to people about the wrong I see them do. I’d rather encourage them in the good and positive things they do. But included in “loving our neighbors” are words to guide people to a right life in Jesus Christ.
Knowing and trusting God gives us a responsibility. We are God’s messengers. The Bible clearly shows there is a right way and a wrong way with God. The world needs to know. Carry the message of love and salvation to those around you. It is God’s way to warn the world, so he can save the world. We have been given the knowledge. We must speak it.


Pause and Consider: how you know what is dangerous. Someone loved you enough to tell you.