Do you ever mentally prepare yourself for a tough situation?
For example, what would you say if you were to conduct a funeral for someone you don't like? Or conduct a funeral for a non-believer?
Do these thoughts even help? Probably not.
I'm thinking these situations because I struggle with speaking the truth, always worrying how people would respond. Have you ever felt awkward saying the truth? Especially the gospel and talks about hell and where people would go after they die.
It's not an option to not talk about these things, neither is it good to say it with a condescending attitude.
It is good to love people and not interact with them with a hidden agenda to share the gospel. Sharing the gospel is done because I love someone.
Perhaps love is the issue. Fear has to do with punishment, but perfect love casts out fear. The times when I feel awkward and struggle with speaking the truth is because I'm trying to perform. Ah, but performing has to do with faithlessness and not believing in the finished work of Christ for my sins and short-comings.
Will God ever punish someone for whom Christ was punished already? No absolutely not. I need to stand firm in this truth, otherwise God would be grieved.
Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction. 2 Tim 4:2
ReplyDeletebut Love must be the motivation. Never ulterior motives. I think I am getting to understand that now more as I get to know and really care about my coworkers.
Amen. That's something I'm learning as well.
DeleteOn the other hand, I used to believe every act of love is in a sense preaching the gospel, But now I see it's not true. My actions are not the gospel neither are they the focus for others, but Christ and the cross spoken through words.