Invoking the Name of the Lord Correctly - Love Intended
Good Son-Day!
The Bodega and Tina
Invoking the Name of the Lord Correctly — Love Intended
A few weeks ago, my friends and I were enjoying another round of T-Wolves basketball. One buddy and his daughter stepped away to grab refreshments. While they were gone, a couple walked by and asked about the empty seats. We told them, “Sorry, those seats are taken by our buddies who are season ticket holders.”
They left for a moment, then returned—this time demanding that we provide proof that we had the right to sit there. Their tone suggested they expected special treatment, advantages, or immunity from basic decency. Things started to escalate.
I said calmly, “Ma’am, we’ve been season ticket holders in these seats for three years. Let’s go find an usher to help you.”
They continued being loud, accusatory, and confrontational. I stood up to go find an usher, but one arrived just as I got to my feet.
“Folks, he will help you,” I told them.
Then came the moment.
The woman hurled an indignant, weaponized: “God bless you!”
This was not a blessing for my well-being. It was a sharp, sarcastic grenade meant to belittle.
I responded sincerely:
“Good people, He always does.”
That wasn’t the reaction she expected. She could sense the sincerity in what I said, and she stood there confused—wrestling with how her misuse of God’s name had just turned into a testimony that glorified Him.
Incidentally, the usher told us the couple's seats were on the opposite side of the arena. He took them to their seats.
We sing about the power of God’s name. We talk about the power of words. Scripture is clear that the Lord takes His name—and how we use it—very seriously.
Exodus 20:7
“You must not misuse the name of the Lord your God. The Lord will not let you go unpunished if you misuse His name.”
God’s name is meant to carry His will and His love—not condemnation, mockery, or manipulation.
The situation that night is a clear example of how God’s name is increasingly used in this country for nefarious, harmful, and misguided purposes. It is wrong. It hurts the reputation of believers. And honestly—it grieves the heart of God.
Our words must encourage!
Quit hating.
Be humble.
Honor His name.
Words matter.
Ephesians 4:29
“Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.”
Matthew 12:36–37
“And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak. The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you.”
Most of us don’t even like our own names mispronounced or mocked. How much more should we honor the holy name of the Lord?
Matthew 6:9
“Hallowed be Thy name.”
Psalm 29:2
“Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name.”
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