A Witness

A Witness:

BEING part of a group of believers is a wonderful way to find fellowship and growth. In one of these groups a friend talked with me about a shortcoming she saw in my life. Accepting her sincere words, I realized that God was speaking to my heart. I had prayed for the Christian accountability she was offering.

Likewise, my friend had prayed about whether or not to say anything to me, and she concluded that the truth was needed. Prayer had opened our hearts to what God wanted for us. Her speaking the truth in love to my heart, readied by God, encouraged me to grow. As Proverbs tells us, "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver. Like a gold ring or an ornament of gold is a wise rebuke to a listening ear" (Proverbs 25:11-12, nrsv).

The love we show, our facial expression, and the tone of our voice all combine to determine if our words are fitly spoken and will be received in love.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, give us open hearts and minds to hear what you say to us through others. Give us willing obedience to words spoken in love as we grow in Christ. Amen.