S) "3 I listened to the reproof which insults me,
And the spirit of my understanding makes me answer."
Job 20:3 (NASB)
O) The third friend couldn't hold back any longer, and he finally speaks up. It is interesting, though, because he didn't simply speak out of a desire to see the truth come to light. He spoke up also, because he was personally offended. In his entire response (basically the chapter), he was actually quite right. He went on to tell how the wicked will eventually be ruined by their own evil. The problem, however, is that he missed the point because his starting place, his motives, were wrong. Even though his words were correct, they missed the mark. They were an ineffectively spoken truth, because his heart was speaking defensively.
A) Sometimes, it can be hard to not be offended. It can be equally hard to keep my mouth shut when I overhear someone say something, that I am certain is simply false. In either case, though, if my motives are not correct, not pure, then whatever truth I may speak after that, will miss the mark. My goal should not simply be to speak the truth, but to have a purpose in mind, and in my heart, to build up my brothers and sisters in the holy faith. My goal should be unity, growth and devotion to Jesus, and seeing the LORD be glorified. If my goal is to defend myself, or to simply prove some point, then no matter how correct my words are, I will still be wrong.
P) Father, You deserve all of the glory, attention, praise, and devotion. In all of my relationships, God, help me to keep You central in my mind. Help me to perpetually consider Your will in every interaction. That seems like it might get exhausting, Lord, but I trust it is still Your will for me to keep my mind on You, throughout my daily life, especially in my relationships with other people. I want to love You, by my love for others. Let my words be healing, encouraging, constructive words, even when - especially when - the words also include rebuke or admonishment. Let Your will be done in my words, relationships, and life. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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