Be Careful What you Say

I've had a health scare lately- high blood pressure means I'm in danger of having a stroke, high cholesterol means I might have a heart attack, also my kidneys aren't working too well so I've been thinking a lot about the after-life.

My husband's aunt says I'm going to hell because I'm not a Christian. I defend myself by saying I'm a good person who believes in God. She replied:

James 2:19 (NIV)
You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.

This made me angry. What a mean thing to say! But Jesus said anger can send you to hell:

Matthew 5:22 (NIV)
But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment.

I want to call her a “bitch”, but Jesus said:

Matthew 5:22 (NIV)
But anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell.

Well, I wouldn't feel so angry if I could retaliate, but Jesus said:

Luke 6:29 (NIV)
If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also.

I've tried but I can't forgive her for what she said. But Jesus said:

Matthew 18:34-35 (NIV)
In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.
"This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart."

So even if I wasn't originally going to be sentenced to go to hell, what she said to me almost guaranteed I would be. So people, watch what you say.

Matthew 12:35-37 (NIV)
The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned."

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New International Version (NIV)
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