26/01/2012 - BE CAREFUL NOT TO EXCEED

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These ten times you have reproached me; You are not ashamed that you have wronged me.

Job 19:3

Satan never gave up his plan to hurt the children of God, whether morally or through illnesses, financial problems, etc. A proof of this is what happened to Job, a servant of the Lord who was directly under attack from the evil one. However, unlike what his friends did when they saw him in that situation, we can never point an accusatory finger at those who are in the hands of the enemy. In fact, we can only reprimand someone if we receive this order from the Lord.

The fallen need love, but before you open your mouth to speak with them, examine yourself and if you are not in communion with the Father, ask Him to reveal to you the words and attitudes that must be taken about any situation.

Job was going through a major crisis; after all, a string of events caused him to lose his property, children and his own health. Still, he would not give in, rather he contended by faith and was never discouraged. In moments of weakness he cursed the day of his birth (Job 3), but there were times that even believing it was the Lord who was afflicting him, he said he would trust in the Almighty even if He killed him.

Job\’s friends threw accusatory words on him instead of divine prophecies that could open his eyes. Well, nobody needs accusations, right? He who fell into transgression knows he did what he should not have done because the very Spirit of the Lord bothered him, making him feel weak, alone and troubled. If we feel God guiding us to go up to a certain person and deliver to him/her a message from Heaven, we should help such person according to what we have been instructed. The Lord is wise when dealing with His children. Sometimes, however, Christians want to come across as polite people and fail to speak the truth when the Most High orders them to rebuke someone.

Words that come from man’s own heart will never be in good measure; they will exceed or fall short. However, that which proceeds out of the lips of the One who is perfect solves any problem completely. So never say anything contrary to what the eternal God is speaking. If He does not speak, be silent.

Do not be fooled by the enemy. You are responsible for living in communion with the Almighty; otherwise you will oppress your brother with some improper advice, or even a negotiation. Make sure you are not an instrument in the hands of the devil by taking advantage of the weakness of your neighbor. Be careful not to exceed, not even in what you think is a saintly subject. Do not add anything to what the Lord says, nor take anything away from it!

In Christ with love,

R. R. Soares