Tuesday, August 12, 2014

We are Mirrors

Recently, my husband talked of how other people can be used as mirrors in our lives. They help us grow and to see the spots in us that we are unable to see. I wondered about that because often times I feel like a critical person when I do that so I try my best to keep my mouth shut until finally I can no longer keep Peace and have to say something. And  when I do it that way, RARELY is it under the Power of the Holy Spirit and instead is yucky and fleshly nastiness. I have been seeking the Lord about the issue I have with being afraid to "confront" early and in love. This morning, the Lord used Joyce Meyers devotional to speak to me. Here is what she shared:

Appreciate Honesty from Other People 

Everyone loves compliments, but very few know how to handle constructive criticism. No one likes to be wrong, which makes it hard when people are uncomfortably honest with us. 

But we need to be thankful for honesty in other people. I once heard someone say, "Only two people will tell you the truth about yourself: someone who is angry with you and someone who loves you very much." God uses both types in our lives, but He especially uses the honesty of friends and loved ones. 

When someone can, in love, honestly show you how you can improve, the results will be so much more valuable than empty, ego-stroking compliments. It's this kind of relationship that the Bible describes as 'iron sharpening iron.' 

I urge you to be thankful for people who tell you the truth about yourself, even if it's not what you want to hear. 

When you hear the truth, especially something you weren't aware of, you can change. Ultimately, their honesty will make you a better person. 

Prayer Starter: Lord, thank You for placing truly honest people in my life. Their honesty may make me uncomfortable at times, but I know that when I listen to them, You can help me become a better person.


So as I am thinking today about mirrors, I am reminded of how they cant do their job without light. So Lord, I ask that we stir up the gift of being mirrors for each other and the iron thats needed to sharpen iron and that we would walk in the Light of your LOVE to help each other grow and be strengthened in your Spirit! Help us to have the courage to change when we need to change and to recognize our faults and confess them freely in Jesus name!! Amen!!