In the small group I’m leading on friendships last week, we discussed characteristics we possessed that were good and ones we needed to work on.
We discovered that some of us need to get better at telling the truth wrapped in grace. Loving someone well actually means you are willing to tell them Godly truth, even if it’s hard. Yikes! How often have you felt you should do that but felt totally stressed out? Just me?
Well, as God often does, He beautifully reinforces wisdom from His Word in perfect timing. I was reading Proverbs 9 last week, and guess what? There is some wisdom on this topic!
So don’t bother correcting mockers;
They will only hate you.
But correct the wise, and they will love you.
Proverbs 9:8
A mocker is identified by how you correct them. If they receive your truth wrapped in grace well, then they are wise. You know they are mockers if they push back, belittle, make fun of, or treat you poorly.
Once, I had to speak some hard truths to someone on multiple occasions. I wrapped it in prayer first, checked the speck in my own eye, and delivered the truth. It went awful. I was scolded, manipulated, and beaten down by nasty words. This person was a mocker. I needed to remove myself from fellowship with them because this was a pattern of behavior and not just a one-time occurrence.
Do you know the difference between a mocker and a wise person? Please email me back with questions.
For now, sit in Proverbs 9:8 and journal what the Lord is telling you.
Resources
Freedom Thoughts conference on March 4th. If you struggle with negative thoughts and want to improve at overcoming them, check this out!
Fearless Breakthrough Retreat is the second week of March. Three days and two nights in Branson overlooking Table Rock Lake, where we will sit together and work through the hard things to head you towards a breakthrough!
Love,
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