Pulpit Treasury Malachi 3:16-17 Then they that feared the LORD spoke often one to another: and the LORD listened, and heard it… Bishop Thompson says, "Some Christians are like the rivers that flow into the Arctic Ocean — frozen over at the mouth." Have we not reason to suspect that the occasion in both cases is the same — coldness? I. Christian conversation PLEASES GOD. It is plainly indicated that God is pleased when His people talk to each other tenderly about Him; that He listens. Why are Christians to-day so dumb? Love is not a dumb or silent thing. Love speaks. Why this hesitation when we speak of religion? Does it not seem strangely inconsistent in us? "The Lord hearkened and heard it." He listened while His children fondly talked of Him. Does it not please you to overhear some kind word spoken of yourself? Do not think your Heavenly Father indifferent to praise. He loves to see gratitude in our hearts; it greatly pleases Him to hear us talking one to another about His goodness. II. Christian conversation BLESSES US. Nothing does one's own heart so much good as speaking kindly of another. Expressing love ever increases it. III. Christian conversation BLESSES OTHERS. There are too many dumb Christians; for there is a vast power in our tongues if we will but use them aright. Who can estimate the power of kindly words to touch the heart and mould the life? (Pulpit Treasury.) Parallel Verses KJV: Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name. |
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