KEY SCRIPTURE:1Ti 4:12 KJV ” Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”

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Timothy is counselled to be an example in word. This would involve general communication as well as speaking the  word of God. Our words are the easiest description of who we are. Mat 12:34 KJV” O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaketh.” Our words reveal who one is as well as what he or she believes.

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Words that distinguish us among others are words of love. These are words that release encouragement, respect for all ,and generally words seasoned with salt. Col 4:6 KJV” Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.” The pastor must always have some words of hope , love and faith. Secondly, he must be full of wisdom to  counsel people wisely. He must be knowledgeable  to speak with insight. Knowledge demands discipline in learning to be acquired. Besides natural  insight, which comes by reading, there is the need for divine insight that gets into the roots of issues in people’s lives. This kind of insight comes as a result of devotion  in prayer. In  this way, his words are a great delight to his listeners.

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Our Lord Jesus was a man of great words. Jesus could cause thousands to keep listening to   Him for days. He spoke with a heart of compassion, and so it was full of the influence of the Spirit. Wherever  there is true love in operation, the spirit of God would have free access to work through  that vessel.

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The following should not characterise the words of a pastor.

1 His words should be devoid of insults.

2 Devoid of aĺ lies

3 Devoid of prejudices, and so seek to have first-hand information by contacting those involved before making certain conclusions about people.

4  His words must be devoid of unbelief and doubt.

5 He should avoid expensive jokes

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Finally, he should be a man of thanksgiving unto God and a man who blesses and not curses.

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FURTHER STUDIES

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Mat 12:37 KJV” For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.”

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Mat 12:35 KJV” A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.”