“Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” Proverbs 27:17
Hardly anything carries as much weight as an action of Christian friendship, under the government of charity, unto effecting Christian results. As we sing the song(s) “Faith Of Our Fathers (Mothers)” reflecting in gratitude what their faith conveyed to us, consider also that hardly anything measures up to the impact of the “faith of our brothers and sisters” in Christ.
What to do, is conceived in the heart where charity never faileth. How to do it, is fostered through selfless submission to the leadership of the Holy Spirit. Choosing the nature of what we say or do is all important: “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.” Proverbs 25:11 Our approach must be positive to effect a positive response.
For the most part, people think wrongly because they are not thinking right. Obviously, the best remedy is to minister right thinking in an offering made in an acceptable way unto them. Just a word fitly spoken, in a non-offensive, caring presentation, may very well become key to bring the overall picture into focus. Most of the time, people know what their problems and difficulties are, but they may be one piece short on a positive input. A fitting word can turn a person’s thinking around completely!
The prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32) knew all about his problems. But it wasn’t until he began to think constructively about what he could do to make things right (Luke 15:17-19) that he arose and returned home. Inflaming guilt won’t mend a broken life, but inspiring faith will start the healing.
Christ majored in looking beyond the fault to see the need. He could have pinned any one to the wall with His discerning omniscience. “If thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?” Psalm 130:3 “But He came not into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through him might be saved.” John 3:17 It is bitter to have someone down on you, but it is refreshing to the spirit to have the ways of righteousness recommended with the highest regard. It is difficult to help someone up by pushing them down. The best way is to provide that by which they can use to pull themselves up.
Who is sufficient for these things? In this day of super-sensitivity and abounding offense, the call is urgent for those who will lead the way by exampleship. Those who willingly choose to shoulder responsibility, are influential ones for the cause of Christ.
“Who is willing to consecrate his service, this day, unto the Lord?” 1 Chronicles 29:5b
SHARING
