Reforming the Feminine ContentSAYS [WHO]
Interesting pattern this [old at least for MH standards] gal has noticed over the years. (Characters, churches, and situations subject to change; interesting factor does not)
:
[One] attempts to encourage [one other] in a small group, whom, for instance, is say frustrated with marriage and having difficulty submitting to [one's] husband. However, the [one] attempting to encourage is likely a “nobody”, just Somebody in God’s economy that Jesus has divinely appointed in good Providence to the small group with Biblical wisdom to share for [one struggling]. However, the ["nobody"]’s advice is easily dismissed by [one other] because she is [a lay person? 'just' a member? ie, a 'nobody'?], however lovingly and graciously said. In this scenario, [nobody] may share Scripture passages from 1 Peter 3, or Ephesians 5, or bevy of other appropriate prescriptive and descripture passages that absolutely apply to [one struggling's] situation.
Interesting.
Small encouragements from Scripture given by [nobodys]. Week after week. Lovingly and graciously shared.
Forgotten? Easily dismissed and discarded by [one struggling].
Then!
[One struggling] comes to group, thrilled! [One] has met with a [Pastor's slash and/or elder's slash and/or other such titled] woman!
[Titled] woman has encouraged [one struggling] to, low and behold, [!] think about Scriptures from 1 Peter 3, or Ephesians 5, or bevy of other appropriate prescriptive and descriptive passages from Scripture that apply to [one struggling's] situation.
[One struggling] is thrilled! She appears revolutionized! She applies Scripture and is amazed that it WORKS! She extols [one Titled] woman as Brilliant! Spot on! A God-send!
The [one or nobodys] i.e., lay-woman[en] in small group is [are] baffled. Silent(ly amazed).
Truth is truth, after all.
Yet, [one "nobody"] is happy that the Word is now believed. And applied. And working.
Sure, it’s human nature. It’s just…
Interesting.
“As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless.” 2 Samuel 22:31
“It is written: Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Matt. 4:4
“Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.” John 17:17
“For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Hebrews. 4:12
“All your words are true.” Psalms 119:60
Truth is truth. No matter who Jesus chooses for the mouth piece. He can even use a jack a**.
**Numbers 22:28
So true and timely for me. People don’t want the truth it hurts and it exposes us. But I see now that we must be truthful to really love others as we are called to.
Thanks for these good words!
I’m reminded of one complimentary idea from Ephesians 4–speak the “truth in love”. It reminds me that speaking the truth alone is not enough. It is possible to speak the truth in a way that is not loving. But speaking the truth in a way that is also loving, wow–there is power indeed there.
This is timely for me as a RECEIVER of truth. I have been studying heavily on two related ideas. One is prompted by the book Pleasing People by Lou Priolo. It is excellent about our desire to please others over/before God. Priolo talks about how in this type of idolatry (which is actually largely centered around the sin of pride), we tend to value the opinion/words [Truth] spoken by some much more than others. Also, God also really spoke to me through the passage in Ephesians that was discussed at the womens retreat on unity…how we tend to allow preference to come before love when relating to others in the church.
lol, It took me a while to understand this post but I got it now.
Yeah I get people just blowing me off. I dont take it personal. I try to see if one, Im not listening to them. Most people dont want a fix it answer just some empathy, then they roll up thier sleeves and get back to work.
Or being too helpful or giving advise when I wasnt asked.
And if I see they are just blowing me off and Im right. I just sort of take a step back and let them hit the wall they were roller skating into and smile. “Dat wall hurt dem didn’t it?” lol
The law of sowing and reaping works wonders! And saves alot of nagging. (Reap what you sow.)
(I know, I’ve hit it enough times..)