Luke 4:15 (KJV) Says "And He taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all." Luke 4:28 (KJV) Says "And all they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath."
In the above scripture Jesus was in Nazareth teaching God's Word, which we know is truth. In the beginning as we see in verse 15 His teachings were well received, and He was being glorified by all. By verse 28, however, He was being rejected. His teaching was going well until he began teaching things that the people did not want to hear, at which time, as we are told in Luke 4:29 (KJV) the people "rose up, and thrust Him out of the city,"
There are people in this world that do not want to hear the truth when it applies to an area in their life that needs work. When confronted with the truth, some individuals become angry, defensive, and reject the messenger in the same manner that the people in the above scripture rejected Jesus. Most of us have experienced someone getting angry at us for being honest with them, or for inadvertently discussing something unaware that it is a touchy subject for that person. People who love us should be able to point out areas of concern, and tell us truths about ourselves without our becoming angry, and defensive.
We all need family members and friends in our lives who love us enough to be blatantly honest with us. Since not a single person in the world is perfect, it is safe to say that we all make mistakes, and that we all have areas that could use work. If someone who loves us, offers advice that can be helpful in preventing us from making a mistake, or points out an issue that needs addressing in our lives, we should be open to hearing it without becoming indignant toward that person. If we know someone loves us and wants what is best for us, we should be willing to listen to what they have to say. We should be able to admit they have a good point, if we feel they do, and we should be grateful to them for bringing the matter to our attention.
Have you ever had someone you love ask your opinion about something, and tell you they wanted you to be honest, only to realize the moment you comply that is not at all what they wanted? The second you give them your opinion and it doesn't match theirs they become angry, indignant, defensive, and they're ready to end the conversation. What they wanted, as it turns out, was not your honest opinion, but rather for you to agree with them no matter what. They wanted you to tell them exactly what they wanted to hear, and that is all they were open to hearing. Just like the people in the above scripture, as long as Jesus was saying what they wanted to hear all was well.
It's normally well received if we tell someone the shirt they intend to wear doesn't match their pants, or that they have a few stray hairs standing straight up on top of their head. We are usually rewarded with a thank your for speaking these type truths, but when it comes to matters that are of any substance it's a whole different ball game.
We should never go at someone with a truth we feel they need to hear in an abrupt manner, using harsh words. When we do that, we increase the chances of them rejecting us and our advice instantly, and understandably so. If you have some truth you know you need to approach someone with, do it with tact, love, and kindness. You may still be met with anger and indignation, but you will be blameless in your approach.
When we are confronted with an issue pertaining to ourselves, and we react in a hostile way, it is more often than not because we know what we are being confronted with is the absolute truth. The next time someone you love and trust approaches you with a truth, hear them out, consider what they have to say before you react, and handle the situation in a Godly manner. Be grateful for the people around you that are willing to step up to the plate, and tell you the truth, when someone needs to. Remind yourself that in order for them to do so they must really love and care about you. If they didn't, they wouldn't bother; because as we've established doing so is certainly no picnic. We all make mistakes, we have all been wrong at one time or another, and we need to have honest loving family members, and friends in our lives to help keep us on track. We need people that are willing to bring things to our attention that we should be addressing, but have either ignored, are ignorant of, have overlooked, or simply don't want to face. Remember, none of us ever reach a point in our lives where we are above needing an occasional look in the mirror.
If you have a prayer request and would like me to pray for you, leave me a message and I will be more than happy to do so. May God bless you.
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