Monday 14^th January

Proverbs 15:1-2, Psalm 19:14

“Saruman believes that it’s only great power that can hold evil in check but that is not what I have found. I have found that it is the small things, everyday deeds of ordinary folk, that keeps the darkness at bay. Simple acts of kindness and love.”

The above extract is taken from the recent film release ‘The Hobbit’. It is the kind of line that stuns you and takes you into deep thought. A line you don’t expect to hear in a secular film. The simple truth of this statement stands as a testament to all believers. Of course ultimately it is Christ in us that gives us victory over sin and evil (for Christ’s power is un-rivalled and comprehensively defeated the enemy), yet it is in our everyday acts of kindness that evil in this dark world is overcome. You don’t have to be the most gifted evangelist or knowledgeable scholar to stand against evil. Evil is defeated by simple acts of kindness and love (which of course are an outworking of Christ in us). Let us expand on this in the first of our verses today, Proverbs 15:1-2.

The writer of Proverbs here identifies the simple ingredient to overcoming evil; the power of gentle and kind words. It says in verse 1 that a gentle answer turns away wrath. How many times have you found yourself in a situation where you have discerned the tension levels are beginning to mount and could explode at anytime? Then someone speaks a kind and gentle word and almost immediately the situation is diffused. Why? Because it is in the simple acts of kindness and love that evil is defeated. Words hold authority and the tongue, power. Used foolishly it adds kindle to a fire, yet used with wisdom anger is deflected. God’s words in us hold power and authority. These words can change lives, edify, uplift, encourage and overcome evil. Of course it is only God’s words in us and through us that holds power. In our strength our words are as foolishness, even though sometimes with good intent. So the question that now stands is, are God’s words in us?

David in Psalm 19 highlights the importance of dwelling on God’s word. He says that Law of the Lord brings joy, revives the soul, is sweeter than honey and gives insight for living. Yet it is not only in the mere reading of His words that our lives are transformed but in the indwelling of His words into the depths of heart. Food would be useless if it were not digested into our bodies. It would bring temporary pleasure and satisfaction but would be of no use to our bodies. This is much the same with God’s words. To gain the fullness of God’s word we must be meditating and digesting on it if we are to expect true transformation in our lives from the inside out. The fullness of His words are then lived out in our lives and when the time comes, when a wise or kind word needs to be spoken, instead of our own resources of self coming out, God’s words in us flow out like a river, showering evil with God’s goodness. The discipline is to let the “words of our mouths and the meditation of hearts be pleasing to our Lord and Redeemer.” Let the simple acts of kindness and love, as shown to you by Christ Jesus, be reflected in your own life through your good works and WORDS.