Giving Advise 2: Shall I Speak?

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Audio:  https://youtu.be/a_WPdqeX-dY?si=BbDw_Gx6PoU9Lukw


A Word of Caution:

We are not called to constantly look for opportunities to correct or advise others. In fact, more often than not, unsolicited advice does more harm than good. Unless someone invites your input or the situation is truly urgent and life-impacting, it’s usually wiser to remain silent. But what if, after much prayer, you still feel that God is prompting you to speak?

What do you do?

Before you say a word, Scripture gives us a wise and loving path to follow. It’s a path that begins not with speaking, but with praying. Not with pointing out faults, but with looking inward. It helps us speak in a way that reflects Christ: full of truth, and full of love.

Here’s how we can prepare our hearts when we feel led to speak:


1. Pray First

“Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
Before any conversation, especially a hard one, take it to God. Ask Him for wisdom, for the right spirit, and for His timing. Prayer aligns our hearts with His.


2. Remove Your Own Beam

“...First cast out the beam out of thine own eye...” (Luke 6:42)
It's easy to see what’s wrong in someone else’s life. But Jesus calls us to first examine our own hearts. Are we walking humbly? Are we dealing with our own sin? Only then can we see clearly to help another.


3. Speak the Truth in Love

“Speaking the truth in love...” (Ephesians 4:15)
Truth without love can be harsh. Love without truth can be hollow. But when both walk hand in hand, we reflect Christ. We speak not to shame or control, but to build up.


4. Exhort—But Be Patient

“Warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.” (1 Thessalonians 5:14)
Not everyone is in the same place. Some need correction, some need comfort, and all need patience. True exhortation meets people where they are, with grace and gentleness.


There’s also a chance that by the time you’ve prayed, searched your own heart, chosen to speak in love, and embraced patience, you may realize the words you felt compelled to say no longer need to be spoken. And that’s more than okay. Sometimes, the most powerful thing we can do is simply pray. Because even in silence, God is at work.  He accomplishes far more through His Spirit than we ever could through our words.

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