On the day of Pentecost, when they were all filled with the Holy
Ghost and a multitude were converted, we read that "they,
continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking
bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and
singleness of heart, praising God, and having favour with all the
people" (Acts ii. 46, 47). This is a sample of the brotherly love
and unity which our Heavenly Father would have throughout the
whole earth; but how the breath of gossip and evil-speaking would
have marred this heavenly fellowship and separated these "chief
friends"!
"Lord! subdue our selfish will;
Each to each our tempers suit
By Thy modulating skill,
Heart to heart, as lute to lute."
Let no one suppose, however, that the Holy Spirit accomplishes
this heavenly work by some overwhelming baptism which does away
with the need of our co-operation. He does not override us, but
works with us; and we must intelligently and determinedly work
with Him in this matter.
People often fall into idle and hurtful gossip and evil-speaking,
not so much from ill-will, as from old habit, as a wagon falls
into a rut. Or they drift into it with the current of conversation
about them. Or they are beguiled into it by a desire to say
something, and be pleasant and entertaining.
But when the Holy Spirit comes, He lifts us out of the old ruts,
and we must follow Him with care lest we fall into them again,
possibly never more to escape.
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