Friday, May 13, 2016

Wise Counsel

 


Please join me over at the Internet Café today!
ivelearned


In times when I’ve struggled with sin, I’ve had friends who would tell me what I wanted to hear (that I was right and/or justified in my behavior/feelings/desires).  Above all, they agreed with me and “took my side” (especially if I was in conflict with someone), and this made me feel better about my struggle, but offered no real help, and could, over time, cause catastrophic damage to my witness and my relationships.
But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. James 3:17 (ESV)
I’ve learned to go to women mature in their faith for advice. While they rarely tell me what I want to hear, they gently give me advice that offers real help, minimizing the damage caused by sin. Rather than justifying my behavior, they lovingly help me see my own sin. Their counsel is uncomfortable. It leaves me feeling raw, vulnerable, and ripped open, much like my poor lawn was ripped open for the new water line. Even so, heeding their counsel saves me from more extensive damage and points me back toward God.
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