STRONG WORDS
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Scripture Reading: 2 Samuel 19:1-8
“Go out and encourage your men.”
2 Samuel 19:7
David’s army commander, Joab, had strong words for his king. He spoke words of challenge as a loyal, committed subject, but he didn’t hold back. David needed to get his priorities straight and realize that his calling as king meant being the leader of God’s chosen people. He couldn’t keep wallowing in grief and self-pity.
Honest relationships, whether in the workplace, our church family, or at home, require encouraging words of support as well as challenge. Speaking the truth in love calls for praying fervently for the right words of healing while gathering courage to say difficult words at the right time. That was Joab’s assignment!
David’s son Absalom had caused great disunity in the kingdom. David had reacted poorly and had counted on others to lead when he should have done so. He needed some strong words, straight to the heart!
When Joab brought wise advice, David responded wisely. The kingdom couldn’t afford to have a king who cared less for his people than for his own son who had set up a rebellion that would have ruined the kingdom.
All of us need to be challenged at one time or another. We may not be in a situation like David’s, but there are times when we need the challenge of being encouraged to do what is right, even when it appears painful or poorly appreciated.
Prayer
Gracious God, thank you for the people in our lives who confront and encourage us with care. Help us to speak as well as to listen to wise advice when it’s needed. In Jesus, Amen.
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GET TODAY
Often we just seem to go with the flow. We don’t know that there are people in our lives that are concerned about our welfare. God is also concerned about us. He was so concerned, that he gave his only son to save us. Who are you concerned about today? Even in difficult times, we need to step up and be responsible for each other. We need to speak words of encouragement and listen diligently, even when by so doing, it might not be appreciated. Father God, we ask for blessings today that we might be able to bless another in words and deeds. AMEN.
Lord thank you for your word. may we wisely and carefully speak of words of encouragement to others. words of correction with your love for you said weare to ediefy the body of Christ. to build up and not to tear down and may we not reject those who you have anionted to speak to us but recieve fromyou through them. IN JESUS’NAMEAMEN