We are answerable for what we say, even when we may be ‘only joking’. Many people say things which they later regret. We are encouraged to be cautious regarding what come from our mouths, and that also particularly applies to the language we use. Every word preached, taught, written and spoken will be accounted for one day. How often do we hear these condemnatory words; “I will never forgive him for that”. Jesus Christ spoke about forgiving people. He actually taught that if we do not forgive we will not be forgiven. That is serious. These disciples were deeply challenged when Jesus said, “If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him.” There are occasions when if a person does wrong they are to be firmly rebuked, but if they are truly sorry and say so, then forgiveness is to be shown. Even if this scenario happens more than once, forgiving that man still remains the bottom line.

Check it out in the Gospels. It is important to know what Jesus Christ actually preached and taught and not just what we think He might have preached and taught. This was such a shock to the disciples’ system that they asked for more faith. It was as if they realized they could not live at this level unless Jesus increased their faith, but His answer was in effect, “Don’t ask”. Don’t ask for more faith. Don’t ask for increased faith. Use the faith you have. Allow it to grow and develop. Pray, “Jesus, help me learn how to use my faith to defeat my problems”, That is how faith becomes strong and mature.

Faith is like a muscle. The more it is used, the stronger it becomes. If unused, it atrophies and withers away. It can even disappear. Faith is a gift from God. Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. As soon as someone begins to have faith in Jesus Christ there is an awareness that what has been received is an amazingly wonderful gift. The more you use and exercise your faith, the stronger it will become. Written by Sandy Shaw