Why is this? There are times when we really need someone to call us out, correct our actions or words. There was a time that I would avoid confrontation at all costs. As a people pleaser, it was easier to let wrong thinking or bad behavior slide than point it out to someone. This goes along with yesterday’s words on accountability partners.
2 Samuel 19:5-7 (NIV)
“Then Joab went into the house to the king and said, "Today you have humiliated all your men, who have just saved your life and the lives of your sons and daughters and the lives of your wives and concubines. You love those who hate you and hate those who love you. You have made it clear today that the commanders and their men mean nothing to you. I see that you would be pleased if Absalom were alive today and all of us were dead. Now go out and encourage your men. I swear by the LORD that if you don't go out, not a man will be left with you by nightfall. This will be worse for you than all the calamities that have come upon you from your youth till now."
Some might consider dressing someone down like this as “telling them off.” But, in truth, there are days when we all need someone to get in our face and speak truth. It takes courage and it usually requires that someone cares enough to risk the relationship. I might be upset at first, but give me a little while to process your words and I will probably be thankful for your honesty.
Once again, King David needed to hear the words of his military commander, Joab. I am sure it was harder to say than to hear. Joab risked a lot to tell his king how wrong his actions were, and King David heeded the advice and let his people know he was over his mourning and back in control.
Read 2 Samuel 18-19 here
Listen to 2 Samuel 18-19 here
1 comment:
Judy’s observations about the need for good counsel & being open to correction are well taken, and capture a principle given much attention through out scripture. See Proverbs 1:5, Proverbs 12:15, Proverbs 13:10, Proverbs 19:20, Proverbs 22:17, Proverbs 27:9, Sirach 6:24, Sirach 6:34, Sirach 6:36, Sirach 8:9, Sirach 9:15-16 and Sirach 40:25. Given that, its not surprising to see that scripture repeatedly tells us that we should undertake the difficult task of addressing problems between us. See Leviticus 19:17-18, Proverbs 27:5, Sirach 19:12-14, Sirach 20:2, Matthew 18:15 and Luke 17:3. We have to be careful in doing that though. The last string of scriptures cited make it clear that the task should be undertaken with the goal of restoring relationship and bestowing a blessing, rather than carping.
Another theme in today’s reading that appears elsewhere in scripture is extending grace towards those that have opposed you on the past. See 2 Samuel 3, 2 Samuel 9, 2 Samuel 16:5-11, 2 Chronicles 28:9-15, Proverbs 24:17, Luke 22:47-51 and John 21:9-19.
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