In my own self approved world, I want to be able to say that I have listened perfectly, cared perfectly, encouraged perfectly for every friend. When I fail often, because I am NOT perfect, a cloud of anxiety, condemnation, and guilt makes its way over my heart. This cloud is dense and thick and makes it super hard to distinguish the Holy Spirit's conviction from the condemning lies from Satan.
So, I cry out.
JESUS. Let me hear your voice!
Speak louder!
Remove the cloud of lies from my heart.
Remind me of the truth!
And thankfully, because he is good, he does.
He reminds me that he never fails my friends even though I do.
He listens to them and cares about every word they say.
He encourages them back to remembering the truth even when I fail to courageously speak it.
He cares for their hearts in ways that I never can.
I cannot be the perfect friend.
But Jesus is.
Show us our sin clearly Jesus so that we see your amazing sinlessness and the glory that you deserve. Help us to stop trying to control things so that other people give us glory instead of giving it to you, the only deserving one.
I am an imperfect friend.
You, Jesus are the perfect friend.
So, I cry out.
JESUS. Let me hear your voice!
Speak louder!
Remove the cloud of lies from my heart.
Remind me of the truth!
And thankfully, because he is good, he does.
He reminds me that he never fails my friends even though I do.
He listens to them and cares about every word they say.
He encourages them back to remembering the truth even when I fail to courageously speak it.
He cares for their hearts in ways that I never can.
I cannot be the perfect friend.
But Jesus is.
Show us our sin clearly Jesus so that we see your amazing sinlessness and the glory that you deserve. Help us to stop trying to control things so that other people give us glory instead of giving it to you, the only deserving one.
I am an imperfect friend.
You, Jesus are the perfect friend.