Father has been speaking to my heart lately. I am learning that I need to speak His truth in compassionate, passionate boldness.
Lately there have been many friends in my life who are dealing with very difficult issues in their lives. Many of these issues are due to their not abiding by their convictions and listening to feelings and emotions. We cannot be guided by our emotions. When we give up what we know to be right, we are eventually faced with more hurt, hardships, and possibly deep depression.
Father has passionately grabbed hold of my heart telling me that people need to hear bold truth. I have always been one to "dance around issues"...especially when dealing with friends. I don't like confrontation. It is much easier simply to listen to what a friend shares of what they are dealing with...be the "sympathetic ear" while not giving much in the way of feedback. Anyone can be there for those needing an listening ear. A true friend...Christian friend...will listen, pray and speak.
Jesus does not want us to give our own "human" answers or advice. A person can get that anywhere and they do because it is easier to talk to people, even strangers, and not have to be accountable. Friends share things in sugar-coated ways at times. That is why we as the Christian friend need to be continually in prayer ("Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." Eph. 6:18). We need to pray before we respond to that person who needs truthful, bold love...while we are responding (if writing pray during, if speaking pray as you listen to them)...and after we speak with them.
Telling the truth in bold love is difficult. We must remember to have the compassion of Christ...not simply saying what we think....His passion...our heart truly wants the best for the person we are talking with...and His boldness...He told people what they needed to hear.
We are imperfect people and we all fail at sometime in our life. Keeping an attitude of prayer will help us in our own situations and then we can boldly love those who need the wisdom that comes only in Christ Jesus...as we continue to keep on-going communication with Him.
I pray that Jesus will grab your heart to truly hear those around you and be the Jesus-Friend they need.
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1 comment:
This was very touching to me. I to tend to avoid confrontation. I also tend to be a listening ear for friends/family when I should be listening to God and speaking to the person in need.
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