be very unkind, but we should remember that it was not easy for God either. His Son suffered for us and went

through the death of the cross for our forgiveness. Surely we can forgive and forget the wrongs done to us when

we think of His example.

When we believe in the Lord Jesus Christ we have to be careful what we do and say. Especially do we have

to take care about what we say, for it is very easy to speak evil without thinking or in a moment of anger. Once

we have said something it cannot be taken back, so we must be careful. If we can control our tongue we are

able to control all that we do. Read James 3:2 :

`If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle (control) the whole body'.

We see then just how important it is to control our tongues, to be careful what we say. Notice the following

verses in Ephesians 4:25-31 :

`Putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour' (verse 25).

`Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good ...' (verse 29).

`Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you ...' (verse

As believers we should always speak the truth, never use hurtful words or bad language, never speak angrily or

bitterly, but always in kindness and love. What we say and how we say it are of great importance. Again we

have the example of the Lord Jesus to follow in this, in 1 Peter 2:21-23 :

`Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps: Who did no sin, neither

was guile (deceit) found in His mouth: Who, when He was reviled (insulted), reviled not again ...'.

Others spoke against the Lord Jesus Christ, using unkind words and accusing Him of things He had never done,

but He never answered them back - He never insulted them. We should do likewise, not only when others speak

against us, but all the time. Read Colossians 4:6 :

`Let your speech be alway with grace ...'.

Here is a verse of Scripture written especially for young people - Colossians 3:20 :

`Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord'.

It has always been right for young persons to give honour to their mothers and fathers. This was one of the ten

commandments given to the people of Israel (see Exodus 20:12). This honour is shown by obedience, and the

Lord is pleased with such, and gives His blessing.

The Bible warns us of a time when there will be disobedience to parents (2 Tim. 3:2), and we seem to be

already living in these days. Young believers may show that they love God by love to their parents, and this is

done by obedience in all things. The Lord Jesus is again the example to follow, for He was subject to Joseph

and Mary when a young man of twelve years old. (Read Luke 2:40-51). He was also obedient to His Father in

Heaven when He gave up His life for us. Read Philippians 2:8 :

`Being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of

the cross'.

If we believe in Him, let us follow His example by honouring our parents, as He honoured not only His

heavenly Father, but also those set over Him when He was a young person here on earth.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

These verses of Scripture give us some idea of the life every believer should live for the Lord, the way we

may serve Him, when we are saved. All that we either do or say should be done for Him and in His name.

Read Colossians 3:17 :

`Whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the

Father by Him'.