A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. (Proverbs 15:1, NASB)
Recently, a professional caddy called me for advice on starting a new LINKS fellowship in Idaho. I shared my viewpoints about the composition of individuals that make up a successful and sustainable group.
The facilitator and the connector are two key personalities necessary for success. The facilitator must be able to “read the room” and guide the discussion positively while maintaining a biblical focus. The connector is the individual who is a “Pied Piper” who knows a little bit about everyone in the club and naturally brings people together.
During the discussion, I told him that because we have a large cross-section of people in the faith journey, the facilitator must recognize when to say something and, more importantly, when not to say something. He completely understood, and he agreed that he learned this truth through his caddy experience and said:
“Knowing when not to say a word is sometimes more important than giving advice.”
As our opening verse states, sometimes it is a gentle word. Other times we need to hold back the tongue from making any statements that can cause dissension, especially in a fellowship. Consider this verse:
Proverbs 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.
Discernment in fellowship groups, conversations with our friends, and life decisions must come through knowing the whispers of the Holy Spirit. We often call them “nudges,” and without being tuned in, our words can destroy.
Romans 8:26 – In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
We don’t need to rely on all our resources to cope with life challenges. The Holy Spirit will intercede with the right words to pray. Ask the Holy Spirit to intercede “according to God’s will” and trust that God will always answer with what is best. He works in all things, not just isolated incidents, for our good.
Romans 8:28 – And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose.
Trust God, knowing that he is not working to make us happy but to fulfill His purpose. It is a promise that is not for everyone and requires us to receive Christ. Those who have received Christ will have a new perspective on life and a new mindset on what is most important as we grow in faith.
Have you called on the Holy Spirit to discern how God wants you to work for His glory? Today is a good day to do just that.
Prayer: Holy Spirit comes into our hearts and minds to act and do God’s will. We want to be more like Jesus every day and need your guidance.