Day 7

The truth about opponents and ugly feet

Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth.  2 Tim 2:25

The truth about opponents is that God loves them (John 3:16). The truth about God is that He desires that all will be saved and come to the knowledge of truth (1 Tim 2:4). The truth about words is that they are powerful; originally designed to build up, they can be perverted to pull down and destroy (Prov 18:21). The truth about truth is that it liberates and sets free (John 8:32). 

Preparing these daily notes has challenged me a lot. It has challenged me to sit with the verses and let the Word of God shine a bright light in the dark corners of my heart. It has forced me to think deeply on how I can apply the verses to my daily life in a very practical way. And as I sat with this verse, I was quite shocked at the memory that popped up and how much of an impact it had made in my life.  

When I was in my final year in secondary school, the fellowship President told me dogs always go back to their vomit. He was referring to me as the dog because I made a point contrary to him. Unfortunately for me, I believed him and for many years, I was stuck and couldn't break past this idea in my head of who I was. 

Until the Holy Spirit just revealed it to me today, I did not realize how much his words sank deep into my mind. I allowed those words to have the power to stop truth from sinking deep in my heart and hinder me from bearing fruit for God for many years. I was constantly making motions but not moving anywhere, feeling powerless to break free from terrible patterns.

I have seen so many recent terrible takes from believers on social media sharing ‘truth’ in the most hurtful, soul crushing ways. We need to understand that we wield the most powerful tools, the Word of God and when we use it so callously, we distort the pure word of God for our own foolish pride. Please understand that you have been given a glorious honor and responsibility. 

Isaiah 52:7 speaks about the beauty of the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, "Your God reigns!”. I want you to take a closer look at your feet. Are they beautiful according to God’s standards or do you need to visit the Heavenly pedicure station? Are you stomping around the hearts of others leaving dirty and ugly footprints?

If at some point in the past, someone carelessly spoke words that have created a hindrance or barrier between you and God’s desire to grant you repentance, I say a prayer for you.

I pray that the truth of God’s Word will work its way through every root in your life, shattering and breaking every lie. I pray that from today you only believe and obey the truth. Amen 

Many people are suffering from church hurt (google says it is pain sometimes inflicted by religious institutions). We have the capacity to cause damage under the guise of saying it as it is. Even as you chastise or instruct, I urge you to do it gently so that your actions do not become a hindrance in the way of them learning and knowing the truth.