Recently I had a gal from my church share some truth with me….and it involved one of my Facebook posts from several months ago. There was nothing sinful about the post, but she pointed out that the content could be a stumbling block for others, considering I am in a leadership position as the women’s ministry director.
Her truth gave me pause. It created a scenario where I went to the Lord in prayer to ask for forgiveness and ask for Him to reveal any other places in my life where I may have been blind to such occurrences.
She was right. And more than that, she was right to tell me.
How often have I known that I should speak to someone about a perceived wrong or sinful behavior? The Lord has prompted me before but I’ve been reluctant to follow that nudge.
Why? Why am I negligent in confronting truth with other Christians? I know I’m capable of it. I am able to tell Erin when I think something is wrong. I’m able to speak to my husband about truth. Why can’t I tell others?
I’ve been thinking about this for a few days and I’ve concluded that it’s primarily fear that inhibits me from speaking truth into another’s life. I don’t want to be shunned, or I don’t want to be wrong, or I don’t want to tarnish the relationship.
The truth of the matter is this…if God wants someone to feel convicted about a sin in their life, then He’s going to somehow let them know. That may be through my words, or it could be through a podcast, or a Bible study, or countless other methods.
However, that does not absolve me of my responsibility to listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit. Repeatedly throughout scripture, Christ-followers are instructed to hold one another accountable to “right” living. For instance, Colossians 3:16 (NIV) states “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”
I am grateful to those around me that are bold enough to speak truth into my life…and for pointing out where I may be straying.
As I walk through this next week reflecting how to better speak truth into other’s lives, I would love to hear your thoughts on truth convictions. Come to the porch and share your thoughts!
~Emily
Iron Porch 
Emily, I have been concerned, too, with each blog post that I write, that I may be speaking in error, or misusing a scripture! I too welcome correction as needed. It’s one of the risks we take when we share so much of ourselves as well as God’s word. I’m prayerful that He takes that into account and guides me along the way by helping me to first understand His word before I share. Thank you for sharing! Trisha
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Trisha, I love that you’ve brought up this point. It’s a blessing and a burden to put so much ourselves out there as we write about “real life.” I appreciate that I’m not the only one struggling occasionally, but I know that as long as we keep Christ at the center of our blogs, we’re going to have fewer missteps along the way! Hugs, Emily
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Good morning! I also have this issue. But have been convicted over and over to follow through with God’s plan. Go pray with someone, reach out to that person, or even give her a hug… the small things seem wrong but whenever I follow I blessed beyond measure! Thank you for sharing!
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