Last time we talked, I shared about the importance of words, and how it’s best to talk to God first when our emotions are running high before sharing our thoughts with others. He is the best One to help us see the truth and proceed in a way that honors Him and blesses others.
When we ask for God’s wisdom, He will give it to us. He promises in James 1:5, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” This verse is one I pray back to God often. I like to remind Him that He promised to give me wisdom in whatever situation I find myself in, because it says so in the Bible.
Sometimes, the wisdom He gives is for us to continue to engage in the difficult conversation, or relationship, we find ourselves in. Maybe the other person we’re struggling with needs to see “Jesus with skin,” meaning needs to see Jesus’ love carried out in actual physical acts or Christ-honoring conversations.
However, sometimes the wisdom God gives is to put up healthy boundaries. Sometimes it’s okay to walk away. I’ll go one step further – sometimes it’s healthier to walk away, for both people, then to keep engaging in destructive patterns.
So how do we know the difference? How do we know when we’re supposed to walk away and when we’re supposed to keep engaging? That’s where God’s wisdom comes in. First, we need to approach Him with a teachable spirit. That means we don’t have an agenda already decided and we’re wanting Him to agree with us. We need to come to Him willing to obey whichever decision He tells us. Second, the response needs to line up with the Bible. God isn’t going to tell you to do something that goes against His Word, ever. And third, sometimes we need godly counsel to help point us back to Scripture. Always pointing us back to Scripture.
To engage someone in a conversation or to put up healthy boundaries? Or maybe a combination of those two choices?
The only way to know for sure is to ask God for wisdom. I encourage you to do that today. He will answer you in His time. Trust me. He said so Himself in the Bible. And He doesn’t lie.
© Cheri Swalwell 2021