Heavenly Talent
9
With the talent of speech we are to communicate the truth as we
have opportunity. It should ever be used in God’s service; but this
talent is grievously abused. Words are spoken which do great harm.
Christ declared, “Every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give
account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be
justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned” [
Matthew 12:36,
37
].—
Manuscript 21, 1899
.
Holy Spirit’s Power in the Cultivation of the Voice—Encourage
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all to use simple, pure, elevated language. Speech, pronunciation, and
voice—cultivate these talents, not under any great elocutionist of the
world, but under the power of the Holy Spirit of God.—Lt 83, 1898.
Courage, Cheer, and Hope—Talk of the goodness and love of
Jesus. You and I have been granted the blessing of speech, which is a
talent of great value. It is to be used in talking of those things which
increase love for Jesus. Let us talk of His mercy, of the gracious words
He spoke to encourage and comfort, to bring hope and joy and love
to our hearts.... Let us brighten the remaining years of our lives with
words that bring courage and cheer and hope. The enemy will cast
his shadow between Christ and our souls. He will tempt us to talk
in a doubting, faithless way. But when disagreeable thoughts seek
for utterance, do not give expression to them. Talk faith. Talk of the
grace of our Lord and Saviour, of His love and mercy, of the beauty of
His character. Let it become natural for the lips to give utterance to
precious, inspiring thoughts.—Lt 14, 1900.
Conversion of the Tongue—The tongue is an unruly member, but
it should not be so. It should be converted; for the talent of speech is a
very precious talent. Christ is ever ready to impart of His riches, and
we should gather the jewels that come from Him, that, when we speak,
these jewels may drop from our lips.—
Testimonies for the Church
6:173, 174
.
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A Means in the Advancement of His Kingdom—Speech is a
talent, and can be used to honor or dishonor God. We are accountable
for our use of the talent of words.... The talent of speech, of memory,
of property, all are to accumulate for the glory of God, to advance His
kingdom.—Lt 44, 1900.
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