Proverbs 12:15 (GNT)
We all have blind spots. There are things in our lives that need correcting, but we can’t always see them. Why? Because we don’t always see ourselves clearly—and sometimes we just don’t want to. We don’t want to acknowledge the habits we’ve settled into that feel comfortable but keep us from growing.
That’s why God puts people around you to tell you the truth. Everybody needs somebody in their life who loves them enough to tell them the truth.
Do you have anyone like that in your life? Do you have any godly friends who don’t just tell you what you want to hear but love you enough to level with you?
If you don’t have people who speak the hard truths to you, that means you’re probably making a lot of avoidable mistakes. You need to identify the people in your life who encourage you to live like Jesus.
You also need to be that kind of person for others. Are you comfortable pointing out blind spots with grace and love to the people who matter most to you? In God’s family, that’s what we do for each other so we can grow into the people who God wants us to be.
This is why God hates pride so much. Pride makes us defensive and unteachable. When we are prideful, we build up walls and keep people at a distance. Then we can’t hear God’s voice speaking to us through others.
Proverbs 12:15 says, “Stupid people always think they are right. Wise people listen to advice” (GNT). God wants to use you to help others grow. He will speak through you - but it takes courage. And he will speak through other people to you - and that takes humility.
Maybe you’re thinking of someone right now. You’ve got a friend or sibling or coworker who is headed down the wrong path, and you see it clear as day - but you’ve said nothing. You’ve kept silent, telling yourself it’s none of your business.
But love cares. And when you care, you’re aware and you dare to share. When you care, you’re aware of each other’s blind spots, and you dare to share the truth with the other person. In those moments, God can use your words to bring life and encouragement.
We all have blind spots. There are things in our lives that need correcting, but we can’t always see them. Why? Because we don’t always see ourselves clearly—and sometimes we just don’t want to. We don’t want to acknowledge the habits we’ve settled into that feel comfortable but keep us from growing.
That’s why God puts people around you to tell you the truth. Everybody needs somebody in their life who loves them enough to tell them the truth.
Do you have anyone like that in your life? Do you have any godly friends who don’t just tell you what you want to hear but love you enough to level with you?
If you don’t have people who speak the hard truths to you, that means you’re probably making a lot of avoidable mistakes. You need to identify the people in your life who encourage you to live like Jesus.
You also need to be that kind of person for others. Are you comfortable pointing out blind spots with grace and love to the people who matter most to you? In God’s family, that’s what we do for each other so we can grow into the people who God wants us to be.
This is why God hates pride so much. Pride makes us defensive and unteachable. When we are prideful, we build up walls and keep people at a distance. Then we can’t hear God’s voice speaking to us through others.
Proverbs 12:15 says, “Stupid people always think they are right. Wise people listen to advice” (GNT). God wants to use you to help others grow. He will speak through you - but it takes courage. And he will speak through other people to you - and that takes humility.
Maybe you’re thinking of someone right now. You’ve got a friend or sibling or coworker who is headed down the wrong path, and you see it clear as day - but you’ve said nothing. You’ve kept silent, telling yourself it’s none of your business.
But love cares. And when you care, you’re aware and you dare to share. When you care, you’re aware of each other’s blind spots, and you dare to share the truth with the other person. In those moments, God can use your words to bring life and encouragement.
Talk It Over
In what ways does spending time together with friends from your small group during the week, outside of your weekly meeting, help you build trust with each other?
How can you know when you are ready to receive, with humility, counsel from others?
When has God used someone to speak truth into your life? How did you respond?
- by Pastor Rick
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Prayer:
Father,
Open our hearts to compassion, soften our spirits with humility, and grant us the courage to speak truth in love. We are asking for a heart that reflects Your love and mercy. Give us compassion for everyone we meet, that we may listen with patience, forgive readily, and speak with kindness even when words are hard. Grant us humility, that we may set aside pride, value others above ourselves, and recognize that all we are and have comes from You.
Teach us to speak truth - not with harshness or selfish ambition, but with love and gentleness and honesty that builds up. Help us to listen before we speak, to choose words that honor God and bless others, and to resist the urge to speak from pride or to cover our faults.
As we walk in humility, may our words and actions point others to Christ rather than to ourselves. Let our speech be a reflection of Your Word, and our hearts a place of peace, mercy, and truth. May our lives be a living prayer, showing the compassion of Jesus, the humility of the meek, and the integrity of the truth. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
Teach us to speak truth - not with harshness or selfish ambition, but with love and gentleness and honesty that builds up. Help us to listen before we speak, to choose words that honor God and bless others, and to resist the urge to speak from pride or to cover our faults.
As we walk in humility, may our words and actions point others to Christ rather than to ourselves. Let our speech be a reflection of Your Word, and our hearts a place of peace, mercy, and truth. May our lives be a living prayer, showing the compassion of Jesus, the humility of the meek, and the integrity of the truth. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen
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