Doesn’t it seem that there’s a natural tendency to point out other people’s flaws? And isn’t the world of social media-driven interaction often just a platform for toxicity, hyper criticism, and judgment? These platforms can seem to grease the skids when it comes to vitriol, hate, and leveling hurtful criticism toward those who don’t look the right way, sound the right way, think the right way—right defined by often narrow definitions that are self-serving. But this is indicative of our own heart’s flaw, isn’t it? Making ourselves the jury and the judge can lock up our heart and soul by focusing our energies into a mindset that is draining and leads to personal disintegration.
In this episode we look to some guiding principles that can help us develop far more life-giving patterns that will not only enhance our own lives, but perhaps even change the world in authentic ways.
Bible verses referenced:
The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. (Book of Proverbs 18:21)
The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. (Book of Proverbs 12:18)
The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit. (Book of Proverbs 15:4)
With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. (Book of James 3:9-10)
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” (Gospel of Matthew 5:7)
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn…Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” (Gospel of Luke 6:37, 41-42)
So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you… (Gospel of Matthew 7:12)
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Gospel of Matthew 6:19-21)
Attributions:
“God Badge” from the album “Fiction Family Reunion” by Fiction Family.
https://soundcloud.com/fiction-family
“Dreamer” by Alaskan Tapes.
