“For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing.” -Romans 7:18-19 (NIV)
The words were slung from my mouth before I stopped to reconsider. Even as those word-arrows spun through the air toward her waiting and helpless ears, the Holy Spirit had already begun to prick my heart with conviction. As soon as the ear-target was pierced and the word-arrows reverberated into comprehension upon her brain, I recognized the hurtful consequences through the pain in her eyes. “Why did I say that?” was my immediate thought. I know better than to get caught up in that kind of blame game. Haven’t I yet learned not to take up offense? And I know nothing good comes from turning the shame finger upon another person. Wishing I could recall the word-arrows and erase the pierce marks, I listened to her wise response to my fleshly words. Truth!
“Better is open rebuke than hidden love.” -Proverbs 27:5 (ESV)
Wisely and boldly she spoke up to remind me of truth in love. She didn’t scream or use profanity. She didn’t take offense. And she didn’t try to shame me for my lack of self-control. Very simply my dear friend took up the cause of the poor and the oppressed of our community. She spoke tenderly to me reminding me of what she knew I already know. And I received every word of her correction. Grateful am I to have such a friend.
I admitted my failure—my sin—plain and simple. Thanking her for her gentle rebuke, I asked for her forgiveness. Again, she reminded me of truth in love, extending to me the forgiveness she herself has freely received.
In the aftermath of my failure, the quick glance away from Jesus to gaze upon my own self-interest, I am reminded of my utter need for Christ. So, again I agree with Paul, “Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 7:25, NIV)
Lisa Brittain
SATURDAY WRITER
Lisa Brittain and her husband, Randy, will soon be married 30 years. Together they are parents of two adult sons and share their home with three adopted pups. By day Lisa works as a receptionist at the local middle school. However, her mission is to reveal the important voice of each woman and teach her how to share her overcoming God stories
.
It is Lisa’s true passion for Jesus and introducing women to Him, which flows in and through and around all the open moments of her everyday life. Connect with Lisa on her blog
here.
