Prodigal: Are you ready?

Me: Sometimes I struggle with finding the right words.

Prodigal: I think everyone does.

This is from Bold Love by Dr. Dan Allender & Dr. Tremper Longman III

There are many who share their feelings or ask, “May I be honest with you?” and proceed to unleash a stream of invective that comes from the bowels of hell and not from the sanctuary of beauty. I am advocating a view of love that is consistent with doing ultimate good for the other. There are times when a hard, painful rebuke is good. There are other times when it would crush a broken reed. There are moments when the gentle wind of encouragement deepens a resolve to live for God. There are, of course, other times when encouragement will be misheard as support for a direction that is deadly. Therefore, confrontation may be the kindest word possible. Love is the offer of a good gift that fits the circumstance, needs, and personal variables of the one being loved.

Love embraces another for the great work of redemption. It captures someone by a goodness that is anything but “unconditional.” It is remarkable conditional in that love cannot flourish and bring forth fruit in arrogant and unrighteous soil. Therefore, love must be an intrusion of a good gift of word or deed that makes the greatest demand of life: Follow Christ and serve Him with your whole heart, soul, strength, and mind. Bold love is the tenacious, irrepressible energy to do good in order to surprise and conquer evil.

Matthew 5:3

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Jennifer Van Allen

www.theprodigalpig.com

www.faithincounseling.org