Week 2 | Day 3 | Speaking the Truth in Love
Command:
Beware of false prophets. Matthew 7:15
Read:
To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. John 8:31-32 NIV
Reflect:
My mom is a strong woman with a kind heart and a resilient spirit. She recently turned 93-years-old and has battled Parkinson’s disease for the past ten years. She is weary. I wish I could change her current circumstances, but the one thing I can do is be a compassionate listener and a truth teller.
At times when my mom reflects back on her life she feels regret. There are things she has said and done that she wishes she could change. Yet none of us have the power to change the past, so I tell her the truth: “You were a loving wife, a great mom and a wonderful human. Any mistakes you made have been confessed, covered and forgiven by Jesus. Walk in that freedom.”
Another antidote to the regrets of the past that we have discovered is taking the time to go through old pictures together to remember the many happy moments we have shared. By reliving the positive events of the past the dark clouds of regret are blown away by the visual truth of a life that has included much happiness.
Sometimes my mom feels concern for her present circumstances. I sit up and listen with pencil and paper in hand. Since she can no longer fix her present circumstances by herself, she needs the help of her family to effect change. What can we do to make her life more comfortable, more peaceful, more joyful? I like these problems the best since they often include simple action items that can quickly and easily be addressed: a new phone with amplification for diminished hearing; a new CD player to replace the one that died; a comforting hand massage and pedicure. No, I can’t take away her battle with Parkinson’s, but I can show compassion and care to make her days a little more pleasant and comfortable. This provides her with the reassurance that help is there when help is needed.
Like all of us, my mom worries about the future. What will tomorrow’s challenges look like and how will they be addressed? Since we are both powerless to predict the future, I remind her that she has a loving family around her and that together we will address whatever challenges tomorrow brings. Then I join her in acknowledging this powerful truth: “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV
React:
Are you mired down in regrets from the past, concerns for your present circumstances or worries about the future? Is there someone you can talk to who will help you gain perspective and build your faith?
Pray:
Father God, thank you that I can confess and release my regrets from the past, that with help from loved ones and friends I can face my present challenges and make positive changes, and I know that you will be with me as I step into the future because you have promised to never leave me or forsake me.