THE STORY OF JESUS: Jeremiah 36-38
“This man is not seeking the good of these people but their ruin.” (Jeremiah 38:4)
Jeremiah is being accused of discouraging the people with his words.
His message is negative, it points out the failures and sins of the people.
The question is, was his negative message helpful, or hurtful?
It all depends on the context, and the heart of the speaker.
I have heard loving people offer critique in a kind, helpful way.
And I’ve heard unloving people speak only nice words, but they were unhelpful.
There is a time for a doctor to be firm and clear about his warnings.
But there are also times when doctors need to learn some bedside manners.
The same can be said for christians, and christian teachers.
As Jesus followers, we know there is a negative side to our message.
That message needs to be spoken, but in a firm yet gracious way.
Is it evident to those to whom we speak of sin that we love them?
Is it evident that we apply this message to ourselves to, and live it ourselves?
Am I really seeking the good of the person that I am challenging?
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, may any challenging word I speak be filtered first through Your loving, gracious heart, and may it be clear that I am no better, and equally in need of correction and challenge.
Hearing the Word of the Lord. Listen.
Pay attention to the Word of the Lord.
Turn from my own way to His way.
Spirit lead not self lead.
See how the Lord speaks in the happenings of the day.
See God’s hand at work.
Listen to Him.
Speak His Word in love.
Be an influence of His peace.
Serve Him and not self.
Do good and live.
Be an instrument of His love.
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is dispair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
Where there is sadness, joy;
O Divine Master,
Grant that I may not so much seek
To be consoled as to console;
To be understood as to understand;
To be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.