What steps can we take to remain faithful when delivering hard truths? The Moment: Elisha’s Silent Stare “Elisha stared steadily at him until Hazael felt ashamed. Then the man of God began to weep.” (2 Kings 8:11) Elisha knows the devastating future that awaits Israel at Hazael’s hand, yet he does not flinch from telling the truth. His tear-filled courage models how we can stay faithful when we must deliver hard words. Step One: Let Compassion Lead the Conversation • Elisha’s tears show a heart that feels before it speaks. • Jude 22: “And indeed, have mercy on those who doubt.” • Hard truth delivered without compassion lands like a hammer; compassion turns the hammer into a surgeon’s scalpel. Step Two: Keep Your Eyes on God’s Word • Elisha speaks because the Lord revealed the truth (2 Kings 8:13). • Acts 20:26-27—Paul is “innocent of the blood of all men” because he proclaimed “the whole counsel of God.” • The Bible, not opinion or culture, is our script. Step Three: Deal with Your Own Heart First • Matthew 7:5—remove the plank from your eye before addressing the speck in another. • Galatians 6:1—restore “in a spirit of gentleness,” watching yourself. • Private repentance equips public faithfulness. Step Four: Speak When the Spirit Opens the Door • John 16:13—the Spirit “will guide you into all truth.” • Proverbs 25:11—“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” • Timing can be as important as content. Step Five: Use Clear, Gracious Words • Ephesians 4:25—“Speak truth each one to his neighbor.” • Colossians 4:6—let speech be “always with grace, seasoned with salt.” • Avoid evasive language; say what God says, yet season it with kindness. Step Six: Brace for the Cost, Trust God with the Outcome • Ezekiel 3:17-19—the watchman must warn, even if the hearer refuses. • Matthew 5:11-12—blessing follows when people revile you for righteousness. • Faithfulness may hurt in the short run but stores eternal reward. Step Seven: Leave the Door of Hope Open • Even after pronouncing judgment, Elisha’s tears hint at God’s yearning for repentance (cf. 2 Peter 3:9). • Hosea 6:1—“Come, let us return to the LORD.” • Hard truth paired with hope invites transformation instead of despair. Putting It All Together When the Lord entrusts you with a painful message, fix your gaze on His Word, let compassion flood your eyes, examine your motives, wait for His timing, speak plainly yet gently, accept any backlash, and always point to the hope God offers. Follow Elisha’s tear-stained courage, and you will remain faithful no matter how hard the truth. |
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