Daily Reflections, Monday, June 22, 2009

Today's Scripture: Galatians 6:1-2

Do you love your friends enough to confront their sin? Sam heard that Paul was gossiping about him behind his back. He confronted Paul and asked, “Would you be kind enough to tell me my faults to my face, that I may profit by your Christian honesty? Then I may try to get rid of my faults.”

“Yes, I will,” the gossiper agreed.

But Sam interjected, “Before we talk, let’s pray. And I want you to pray that my eyes would be opened to see my faults as you cite them. Would you lead in prayer?”

After the prayer was offered, Sam said, “Now, go ahead and tell me what my faults are.”

Paul stared at the floor for a moment before he answered, “After praying with you, the matter looks so small it’s not even worth mentioning.”

Confrontation can be the greatest asset to a relationship if it’s undertaken in the right spirit. But most of us shy away from it because we don’t want to offend our friends—what if they reject the truth? My question for you is, how much do you care about them?

Are you willing to confront when it becomes necessary? What about when your co-workers are telling dirty jokes at the office, or a classmate tells you he’s going to take drugs, or a family member is about to make a life-altering mistake? How much do you love them? Take a stand today under the banner of love and truth. Do it because you care.

Truth is not always popular, but it is always right. — Unknown Author