In what ways can we apply Jeremiah 23:35 to our daily conversations? “This is what each of you is to say to his friend and to his brother: ‘What has the LORD answered?’ or ‘What has the LORD spoken?’” Setting the Scene • Judah had been flooded with false prophets casually declaring, “The burden of the LORD,” while delivering their own ideas (Jeremiah 23:25–32). • God redirects His people to a simple, humble question: instead of claiming a new burden, ask what God has already said. • The shift moves conversation from speculation to revelation, from personal opinion to divine truth. Core Principles for Our Speech • Center on God’s revealed Word, not personal rhetoric. • Approach conversations with humility—seek His answer before asserting ours. • Cultivate mutual accountability: brothers and friends remind one another to check everything against Scripture (Acts 17:11). • Replace empty “Christianese” with clear, honest reference to what God truly says. Practical Applications in Daily Conversations 1. Begin discussions—especially about life choices, culture, or doctrine—by opening a Bible app or referencing a passage: “Let’s see what the Lord has spoken.” 2. When offering counsel, phrase it biblically: “Here’s how Scripture answers that,” rather than “I feel God might…” 3. If uncertain, admit it: “I’m not sure what God has answered yet; let’s search His Word together.” 4. Guard against careless spiritual catchphrases (“God told me…” “The Lord laid on my heart…”) unless you can clearly tie them to Scripture. 5. Encourage friends with direct Scripture quotations rather than generalized platitudes (Proverbs 25:11). 6. Let conversational tone be gentle and gracious, seasoned with truth (Colossians 4:6; Ephesians 4:29). 7. In conflict, pause to ask jointly, “What has the Lord spoken about forgiveness, patience, or speech?” (Matthew 18:15; James 1:19). 8. Regularly memorize key verses so they naturally surface in dialogue (Psalm 119:11). Guardrails for God-Honoring Talk • Accuracy: never attribute to God what He has not said (Deuteronomy 18:20). • Reverence: speak His name with fear and love, not as filler (Exodus 20:7). • Edification: aim for words that build up, not tear down (Ephesians 4:29). • Truthfulness: let “Yes” be “Yes,” “No” be “No” (Matthew 5:37). Scripture Reinforcements • 2 Timothy 3:16 – God’s Word equips every good work, including conversation. • Psalm 19:14 – A plea for acceptable words before Him. • Proverbs 15:23 – “A word spoken in due season, how good it is!” • James 3:9–10 – Bless and do not curse with the same tongue. • Colossians 3:16 – “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly… teaching and admonishing one another.” By turning daily exchanges into opportunities to ask, “What has the LORD answered?,” believers foster speech that is rooted in Scripture, marked by humility, and rich in edification. |
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