But when I saw that their conduct was not in step with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them all, “If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you force the Gentiles to live like Jews?”
Galatians 2:14
Lord Jesus, I thank You today for the individuals You have placed in my life to not only encourage me but also to challenge me. I confess that far too often I am looking for someone who will tell me how great I am or how much potential I have. The proverbial “pat on the back” makes me feel good about myself.
However, it is the people that You place in my path who are willing to have the tough conversations with me that make the biggest difference in my life. Through them I can see myself in a way that I am either blind to or intentionally choose to ignore. They show me how I fall short and through their rebuke challenge me to be the best me I can be in You. Whether their intentions are noble is not relevant. All things work together for my good. My call is to heed the warning sent to me by You through them and act accordingly.
Give me the discernment, wisdom and humility to look, listen and respond in a way that will continue my journey in holiness. Help me to hear what You are telling me through them and graciously receive it, patiently parsing through that which You intend for me to take to heart from that which has no relevance at this moment. Remind me that it is not they who speak but it is You speaking through them. And those who offend, continue to press me to forgive even as I have been forgiven. All to Your glory. Amen.