"One Word at a Time."
"Words have a longer life than deeds."~ Pindar (ancient Greek poet)
"... the accuser of our brethren ... accused them before our God day and night ..."
~ Revelation 12:10-11 (NKJV)
The Hebrew word satan and the Greek word diabolos (translated "devil") both mean "accuser." The accuser speaks against mankind for our many sins "day and night."
We overcome the devil's condemnation for sin with a simple tactic:
agree with him.
"Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are on the way with him, lest your adversary deliver you to the judge, the judge hand you over to the officer, and you be thrown into prison."
~ Matthew 5:25 (NKJV)
A person is "blameless" either because no sin has been committed, or because the sin for which one stands accused has been fully resolved.
Each person must face the divine Judge, agree with the accusation of being a sinner, and ask for the mercy and forgiveness He offers through His Son Jesus.
Although we may resolve that matter, Christians continue to struggle against wrong actions, words, feelings and thoughts. If the adversary starts in with his accusations, we remain blameless by immediately resolving sin with admission and repentance, therefore denying our accuser any case against us.
Yet even if caught in sin, the Christian has no condemnation:
There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
~ Romans 8:1 (NKJV)
My standing before God in Christ Jesus is "righteous." The devil knows the power of words, and he will continue accusing me when I am blameless, attempting to steal away the joy of "no condemnation." He'll do the same to all other Christians, attacking mercilessly and unrelentingly with his accusations.
And if we choose to criticize and condemn other Christians, we stand with the accuser—wrongly agreeing with the devil.
If we are to stand with God, we will to speak truth with love, desiring to encourage one another and "stir up good works."
Words have power, for good or for evil.
Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin,
you who are spiritual should restore him gently.
But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.
~ Galatians 6:1 (NIV)
I appreciate hearing from you. Questions are welcome. Reply to BuildingHisBody.com comments or e-mail me—my address is
buildingHisbody [plus] @gmail.com.
Copyright 2010, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
Image source, "Words": win-win.poweroftwomarriage.com
Image source, "Letter Hug": mobileapples.com
And if we choose to criticize and condemn other Christians, we stand with the accuser—wrongly agreeing with the devil.
ReplyDeleteI always find so much wisdom in your words. Great post, Anne. I think there are many wonderful lessons to learn during this carnival.
I've been somewhate quiet lately in my social circles and I think it's b/c I'm truly understanding how powerful words are. I'm trying to find a balance between taking risks with my words and being careful with them. Either way, I hope not to accuse others.
ReplyDelete~ Wendy
May we always examine our words, as well as our hearts sis. I love you so much.
ReplyDeleteWow--when I condemn others, I side with the enemy. That's a powerful reminder; I'd prefer to be on the other team.
ReplyDeleteThanks for reminding me that Satan really means “accuser.” I find that so intriguing. But his accusations don’t stick, thanks to Jesus Christ. May we refuse to take a stand with the accuser, and instead stand with God. A lovely post. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteWords that are wise, words that are true.
ReplyDeleteI do not wish to help the cause of the enemy, so I pray, again and again that the Lord guide my thoughts and my tongue.
Well said, Anne.
I love how you laid this out here, Anne. Wonderful truth. It's not about denying our sin, but accepting His forgiveness and grace. There is now no condemnation...
ReplyDeleteThank you.
Great Post. We must remind ourselves that Satan is a LIAR besides an Accuser!! Thus what ever he tells us, we should realise the opposite is true. I loved your graphic of the young girl being embraced by thw Word of God.
ReplyDeleteBut sometime if you tell the truth then you can be accused to bring condemnation...
ReplyDeletethe old "sticks and stones" adage just isn't truth, is it ...
ReplyDeleteBridget ~
ReplyDeleteYour words are opportunity for me to thank God for helping me write this. I started the post more than once without feeling it come together. It went better after prayer.
And thanks to you for hosting the carnival. :D
Wendy ~
ReplyDeleteI'm sure the devil would rather have us be silent than used by God. But the Bible also admonishes us to be "slow to speak." I pray the Lord gives you balance in your words.
Denise ~
ReplyDeleteI heartily "Amen" your prayer for us to have the pure hearts from which pure words flow.
Rich ~
ReplyDeleteAs a motivational speaker, I'm sure you especially appreciate the power of words. May the Lord bless and use your words to draw others more closely to Himself.
Lisa ~
ReplyDeleteRemembering that criticism and condemnation are tools of the enemy has done more to help me with a sharp tongue than any amount of guilt. I'm still learning, tho ...
Bud ~
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry you chose to remove your comment. It really was just fine. (Don't let the devil tell you otherwise!) In fact, I'm reprinting part of it here, because it was so very powerful:
"A plant needs light to grow whereas I need more Light in order to die."
Karin ~
ReplyDeleteYou've been in my thoughts, prayers too. Nice to see you. :D I echo your prayer for the Lord's guidance on thoughts and tongue. (Thank You, Lord!)
Jason ~
ReplyDeleteIt would be so much easier to distinguish the enemy's lies if he didn't mix them with just enough truth to make them palatable. (Dear God, please keep us close to You and immersed in Your Word so we know Truth well enough to quickly recognize the lies.)
Hazel Moon ~
ReplyDeleteI liked your post, too. And can't You just imagine Jesus wrapping His arms around us when we read Him, the living Word of God?
Natasa ~
ReplyDeleteThat's why I included the verse from Galatians. It's not that we should never tell truth that may convict, it's that we must be very, very careful to do it in a way which does not condemn.
I have thought much about that video in the last day. I pray the Lord keeps it fresh in my mind. I am praying for our brothers and sisters.
Susan ~
ReplyDeleteI've never believed that "sticks and stones" thing. I think the reason people say sticks and stones hurt more is because they're usually accompanied by the words that make physical abuse so horrific.
Amen! Who are we to judge? It's ours to love.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, I really do love your blog. Steeped in the Word, you are! Love it. Lori
ReplyDeleteT ~
ReplyDeleteFor sure it's always easier to lose the bad stuff when we replace it with something good.
Lori ~
ReplyDeleteThanks! I am a bit obsessed with Bible—and I know I still don't get enough. :D
It's so easy to be "tricked" by the enemy to not believe we are free of condemnation. I so rely on the Lord and that Truth contained in Rom. 8:1. W/o that, where would we be?
ReplyDeleteCaryjo ~
ReplyDeleteWhat I struggle with is facing the ongoing consequences of past sinful actions, knowing that the sin itself is forgiven. It's hard enought to not kick myself, and then the devil chimes in ...