Ouch! That Hurt!

I have recently been challenged to take a close look at myself and much to my dismay, have found many areas that need growth. It is one thing to do a self-assessment and come to this understanding, but it is a whole other thing when we are on the outside and recognize the need to challenge another believer toward growth.

How do we go about challenging others toward growth? 1 Peter 3:15 says, "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect . . . ."

The phrase "with gentleness and respect" jumps out at me when I read this passage. My interpretation of this phrase is that we are to be kind to that person we are encouraging toward growth, speaking the truth in love, being careful with and caring for that person's physical, emotional and spiritual well being. We must remember that the goal is to help that individual draw near to, not shrink away from God.

Have you every been around someone who has beaten you up with the truth? They were not kind in their speaking of the truth. The truth is still the truth, however, the delivery of the truth makes all the difference. If I speak the truth harshly, the receiver will put up walls to protect himself and I will have lost the listening ear of that person. If I speak the truth out a heart of love and compassion, being kind and respectful, the receiver will feel safe to hear even hard truths, and be much more likely to accept and receive the message/truth and hopefully rise up and meet the challenge to grow.

So as we strive to fulfill the great commission and work to further God's kingdom, we need to be mindful of Jesus' example of speaking the truth in love and delivering the message in a kind and respectful way, "doing this with gentleness and respect."