PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Job 5-7
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“How painful are honest words! But what do your arguments prove?” (Job 6:25)
This scenario reminds me of how many approach evangelism or pastoral care.
When someone is grieving or struggling in sin, do we preach ‘honest words’ to them?
We claim that the truth sets people free, but is truth what they need?
Can we convince the mind of what the heart is not able to receive?
Can a person change their thinking, unless God changes their hearts?
Does God change our hearts with true information or with love, grace and mercy?
Jesus could have just preached ‘truth’ to the sinners he dealt with.
Instead, he graced them, called them, welcomed them (think of Zacchaeus).
And this is what softened their hearts, and opened their minds.
We may think we are “speaking the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15)
But often we are actually ‘loving to speak the truth!’, not loving the person.
Undeserved love, not unreserved truth, is what helps people change.
This is not about approving sin or denying truth, but realizing…
That grace and mercy open the heart for truth, repentance and renewal.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for reminding me that it is not my words that change people but your Spirit through grace and mercy. May I learn from Eliphaz how NOT to speak the truth.
“But now be so kind as to look at me. Would I lie to your face? Relent, do not be unjust; reconsider, for my integrity is at stake” – Job is being honest about his frustration even as his ‘companions’ urge him to ‘fess up’. Do they believe him – seems not. They keep laying on argument on top of argument – frustrating Job even more. Is it better to try not to ‘reason’ when someone is hurting or grieving – is it not better to say I don’t know – I hear you – what can I do to ease the pain – help you get through the night – fan away the flies etc. Why is it that we have to ‘rationalize’ and see motives behind everything?
Actions speak louder than words. Words of hope and comfort need to be shown by the love of Christ in our hearts which need to be shared. Deeds need to go with the words of love and hope.
1 Grace and truth shall mark the way
Where the Lord His own will lead,
If His word they still obey
And His testimonies heed.
2 For Thy Name’s sake hear Thou me,
For Thy mercy, Lord, I wait;
Pardon my iniquity,
For my sin is very great.
3 He who walks in godly fear
In the pat of truth shall go;
Peace shall be his portion here,
And his sons all good shall know.
4 They that fear and love the Lord
Shall Jehovah’s friendship know;
He will grace to them accord,
And His faithful covenant show.