“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14, NIV).
Many of us have probably had the unpleasant experience of someone offering their counsel with an attitude of judgment and condemnation. Even if our unwelcomed friend’s counsel was correct, the attitude in which they delivered it, robbed it of its desired goal. I can’t think of anyone that wants to be ridiculed or talked down to when they are corrected. We are simply not made that way. Even when we are wrong, each of us likes to be addressed with respect.
Certainly, Jesus Christ who is our Creator and Savior knows this best. Personally, I have always found his counsel encouraging. His words have not always been easy, but they have always been delivered with respect. While other friends may occasionally fail me in the spirit of their counsel, Jesus’ counsel has always come from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Keith