"Talk"

When someone has a real concern,

They pray before they talk,

This is what God’s love requires,

It’s part of how we walk.

If someone simply makes complaints,

It pays us not to listen,

‘Cause they’re prone to finding fault,

And the grace of God is missin.’

If someone who really cares,

Speaks the truth in love,

Trying just to help us grow,

It’s sent from God above.

Iron sharpens iron it says,

And how it ought to be,

So encourage, build each other up,

With full transparency.

It’s not our job to satisfy,

Everybody’s whim,

For everything that should be done,

We’re called to live for Him.

And when it’s all been said and done,

If they can’t get on board,

Maybe they should fine somewhere,

Else to serve the Lord.

“Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when He returns, we can live with Him forever. So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11, NLT)

There is absolutely nothing wrong when you are able to discern someone’s need. What should our immediate reaction be? If God shows it to you and you accurately see it we immediately should lift it up in prayer to the Lord. Then, and only then, should be consider sharing that concern with anyone else. If led by the Spirit this will be done in a loving, truthful way, with sincere desire to help the parties involved. Otherwise it falls into the category of complaint, criticism and gossip. This can be incredibly harmful to God’s work and the lives of people, both inside and outside the church. Let us govern carefully how we talk.

Lord, lead us concerning every need we see, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Jack Sorenson, used by permission. Thanks, Jack, and God bless you.