Romans 12 (KJV)

1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly (calmly), according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:
5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;
8 Or he that exhorteth (encourage), on exhortation (encouraging): he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

9 Let love be without dissimulation (deceit). Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
11 Not slothful in business; fervent (intense) in spirit; serving the Lord;

12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation (suffering); continuing instant in prayer;

13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.

14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.

16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend (show feelings of superiority; be patronizing.) to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.

17 Recompense (repay) to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

19 Dearly beloved, avenge {inflict harm in return for (an injury or wrong done to oneself or another).}
 not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.

21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

1 Corinthians 12 (KJV)

1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.
2 Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.
3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed (doomed): and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.

4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.

7 But the manifestation (evidence)
of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers (many) kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
14 For the body is not one member, but many.
15 If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
16 And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
17 If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?

18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.
19 And if they were all one member, where were the body?
20 But now are they many members, yet but one body.
21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
22 Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble (lacking physical strength, esp. as a result of age or illness) are necessary:
23 And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely (unattractive) parts have more abundant comeliness (attractive).
24 For our comely (attractive) parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked.
25 That there should be no schism (division) in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.

26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.
27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.

28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?
30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?

31 But covet (crave) earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.

Ephesians 4 (KJV)

1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
3 Endeavoring ( try hard to do or achieve something)
to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

No highway to Heaven.  ~  Karmen

14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight (deceitfulness) of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness (lust), to work all uncleanness with greediness.

22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.
26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
27 Neither give place to the devil.

29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying (providing moral or intellectual instruction.), that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour (a loud and confused noise, especially that of people shouting vehemently.), and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice (intention to do injury to another party.) :

32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

Sarcasm, what it means really. Also, what the Bible says about it.

Sarcasm is the use of sharp, cutting remarks or language intended to mock, wound, or subject to contempt or ridicule.

When I look at it using a thesaurus this is what I get:

acrimony, aspersion, banter, bitterness, burlesque, censure, comeback, contempt, criticism, cut*, cynicism, derision, dig*, disparagement, invective, irony, mockery, put-down*, raillery, rancor, ridicule, satire, scorn, sneering, wisecrack, causticness, corrosiveness, flouting, lampooning, mordancy, scoffing, sharpness, superciliousness







Psalm 52 (KJV)

2 The tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.

4 Thou lovest all devouring (destroying, annihilating) words, O thou deceitful tongue.

BITTERNESS

Ephesians 4 (New International Version)

Ephesians 4

25Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body.

29Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 

31Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 

32Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.


James 3

9With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness.
10Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. 
11Can both fresh water and salt[a] water flow from the same spring? 
12My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.
14But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil.

16For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.

17But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 
18Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.



MOCKERY

Galatians 6
7Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 
8The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature[a]will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.

Didn't know this, but it comes from the ancient Greek σαρκάζω (sarkazo) meaning 'to tear flesh' but the ancient Greek word for the rhetorical concept of taunting was instead χλευασμός (chleyasmόs). Sarcasm appears several times in the Old Testament

Hey many times I have used this word myself. Thinking it would clean up a comment that was not received so well. Although I and many may proclaim it was just used in a form of wit, I beg to differ.

If you look at the meaning of Sarcasm, we do use it for what we meant. Have no problem admitting that I myself was thinking just as it was defined.

Don't like that about myself. This past week Michael Jackson died. Was appalled at the remarks and comments that was made about his life. Some by people that I know practice Christianity. Comments like "people die everyday, what's the big deal", "i was just being sarcastic about the comments I made about Michael Jackson, can't you take a joke." Basically, "what is all the hoopla about?"

Of course I ran to defend him. Not as him being an entertainer, but a human being. Who would want those kind of remarks made about them after they pass. Or about their loved ones. It was cruel and insensitive.

Sarcasm will always be used, but please reconsider using it. What are your intentions? We are suppose to build each other up. Doesn't mean we can't joke with each other...just what are your intentions?


Imitating Christ's Humility

Philippians 2

1If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 
2then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. 
3Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 
4Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Remember Cain's response "Am I my brother's keeper?" Genesis 4

So what should we practice? civility, courtesy, diplomacy, flattery, kindness, politeness, sweetness, commendation, praise

PRAISE AND KINDNESS

Galatians 5
22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 
24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 
26Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

Rules for Holy Living

Colossians 3
8But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 
9Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 
10and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. 11Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.
12Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 
13Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 
14And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
15Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 
16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 
17And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

2 Peter 1

5For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge;
6and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 
7and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. 
8For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
 9But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.
10Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, 
11and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.


Philippians 4

8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

What are your gift(s)? Are we all suppose to speak in tongues?

1 Corinthians 12 (KJV)  
1Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.  
2Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.  
3Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.  

4Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.  
5And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.  
6And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.  
7But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.  
8For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;  9To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;  
10To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:  
11But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

  

12For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.  
13For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.  
14For the body is not one member, but many.  
15If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?  
16And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?  
17If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?  
18But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.  
19And if they were all one member, where were the body?  

20But now are they many members, yet but one body.  
21And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.  
22Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:  
23And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.  
24For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked.  
25That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.  
26And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.  
27Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.  
28And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.  
29Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?  
30Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?  
31But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.  

1 Corinthians 13:1 also says that your gifts mean nothing if you do not have love