26/08/2015 - RESPECT YOUR NEIGHBOR

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Whoever derides their neighbor has no sense, but the one who has understanding holds their tongue. Proverbs 11:12

He who lives in the presence of God cannot allow to be carried away by the appearance and practices of people. We know that the world is under the control of the evil one (1 John 5:19), and for this reason those that have not yet been converted are under the guidance of the spirit of error. The anointing of the Lord is given to us and it brings with it the capacity to deliver the sinners.  However, it is necessary to have divine wisdom, which is given to us through the revelation of the Word. 

Even if sin is coarse, remember that you are standing before someone who is your equal, and for this reason, he or she deserves to be respected. Although you don’t agree with his or her attitude, be patient. You must be aware that the divine message must be transmitted with love. When a person notices that she is respected, she also respects that person who shows her consideration. To harm someone who is in error can close the door to Heaven forever for that person. 

Disdain can seal the wrong destiny for a person; in this case, the one responsible for this can be you. How many people today worship the Lord in spirit and in truth, but have already been used by the enemy many times? However, they weren’t disregarded, and so, they were able to give ear to the Word of God and convert themselves. Those who despise or hurt other people with their words are under the orders of the devil. 

It does not matter how much the person hurt you. Make use of this moment and give her the opportunity to think clearly and realize her mistake. The truth is that no one can hurt the person who is strong in faith nor can they do evil to those who are in the presence of the Most High. We cannot confuse religion with the Truth. So, be firm when rebuking. But if the person recognizes that she sinned and if she repents, then you must forgive her. 

He who sins is in the hands of the devil, which is why we cannot undervalue this person, for we are sent by the Lord with power to cast out the evil spirits. If we close the door for this person, are we doing the work of God? Therefore, never go astray from what is written in the Holy Scriptures. Your greatest example is the one Jesus gave, which, despite being beaten, spat on and nailed to the cross, He interceded for His tormentors. 

God gives us wisdom so that we treat all people with dignity. The believer is the only one that can set free the person who is oppressed. Our responsibility is very big; however, the opportunity to do that which is good is much greater. May a word of condemnation never come out from your mouth, but only words that can lead the lost to the Savior. Remember those that are in the devil´s prison and need to be visited and set free. 

Don’t allow your arguments to lead you, but allow the Father to use you. What you think for yourself and make use of it to help your neighbor can disturb the plans of the Most High. Therefore, in any situation, ask the Lord for guidance, and then, speak only of what is in the Bible. The best help you can give someone is the Word of God. 

In Christ, with Love,

R. R. Soares