Your Attitude and Your Words Matter
ICS Daily Devotions
Luke 5:17-18, 20-23 (NKJV) “Now it happened on a certain day, as He was teaching, that there were Pharisees and teachers of the law sitting by, who had come out of every town of Galilee, Judea, and Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was present to heal them. Then behold, men brought on a bed a man who was paralysed, whom they sought to bring in and lay before Him…. And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, “Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, He answered and said to them, “Why are you reasoning in your hearts? Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Rise up and walk’?
Jesus was expected to minister to the people who came to Him from every town and city. This Scripture reveals that the Lord’s power was present to heal others too. However, nothing is recorded in this passage about anyone being healed or set free, except the paralysed man. Perhaps there was no expectation or faith among the crowd that came. Some may have been curious, while others were sceptical about Jesus and His ministry. The scribes and Pharisees were out to argue, be sceptical and judgemental about Jesus rather than seeking Him to heal their sicknesses and pain. In contrast, the four friends of the paralysed man were full of faith and expectation that he would be healed.
Jesus is a great example for us, demonstrating grace and love in ministry. He was moved by love and compassion for the paralysed man. 1 Corinthians chapter 13 appears between chapters 12 and 14, which cover the spiritual gifts, to emphasise the importance of love as the primary motivator for ministering to others. We need patience, love, and grace to journey with others. Even though Jesus knew the paralysed man was a sinner, He forgave him to restore his health and spoke grace and mercy into the life of the paralysed man. Jesus didn’t dwell on his past sins but chose forgiveness. Many people today are critical of others and amplify their sins to condemn rather than bring restoration. While we don’t condone the sin, we should love the sinners. There is tremendous power in our words, especially words of encouragement, which can lift a person’s mood.
Acts 4:36 (NKJV) And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus,
The name Barnabas means Son of Encouragement. We all need at least one “Barnabas” in our lives, and as believers, we should also be known as encouragers.
Reflection: Do your words usually carry encouragement, grace, and hope, or criticism, discouragement, and condemnation? How is the Holy Spirit convicting you to change the way you speak?
Sermon Series: 2026 CG Campaign – Up! (Part 4)
