Articles
APPROPRIATE FOUR LETTER WORDS
SOME APPROPRIATE FOUR LETTER WORDS
(Brad Phillips)
Sadly, there are many today who are frequently using inappropriate four letter words as a way to express themself. However, as I pondered this, I got to thinking about some appropriate four letter words that are found in the Bible. Beginning with...
Love
One of the most powerful of all four letter words is the word “love.” You see, love is an action word, and when it is demonstrated it is a great expression of one's deep affection for another (Ref. John 15:13; Romans 5:8; 1 John 3:16). Therefore, let's abide in love, and let's keep in mind these inspired words of Paul, “And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these three is love” (1 Corinthians 13:13).
Obey
A four letter word of most importance found in the Bible is the word “obey.” You see, the Bible informs us that Jesus Christ is the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him (Hebrews 5:9). Therefore, we need to trust and obey our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. For, those who neglect to obey the gospel of Jesus Christ, will be punished with everlasting destruction (2 Thessalonians 1:8-9).
Pray
The four letter word “pray” is vital to every Christian. You see, prayer is the avenue that we take to communicate with God (Philippians 4:6-7). Therefore, let's make proper application of this instruction given by the apostle Paul, “...pray without ceasing...” (1 Thessalonians 5:17), and remember, “men ought to always pray and not lose heart” (Luke 18:1).
Work
As a Christian, we need to be diligent in our service to the Lord, and an appropriate four letter word found in the Bible to describe this is the word “work.” Knowing that, “...be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58). Brethren, take heed to those inspired words, and always abound in the work of the Lord.
Give
We also find the four letter word “give” in the Bible. You see, Christians are instructed to give back to the Lord, as they have been prospered (1 Corinthians 16:1-2), and Paul likewise declared that God loves a cheerful giver when he wrote, “So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).
Holy
Another appropriate four letter word found in the Bible is “holy.” Speaking to children of God, Peter said, “...as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct...” (1 Peter 1:15). You see, God is holy, and as God's children we likewise need to conduct ourselves in a manner that is holy (Romans 12:1).
Hope
One more appropriate four letter word found in the Bible to share with you on this thought is the word “hope.” You see, the hope of every Christian is eternal life (Titus 1:2), and Paul while writing to the Romans concerning hope said, “Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us” (Romans 5:5). Indeed as Paul says, a Christian's hope does not disappoint.
These are just a few appropriate four letter words that are found mentioned in the Bible. Now the question is, how do you express these four letter words?
