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Question of the Week
Week of 08/20/07
Q: Should I go after a friend who has left the church mad? She says she wants nothing to do with the church or God any more. At what point do you let people go?
A: The writer of Hebrews puts it this way:
"See to it, dear brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness."
Hebrews 3:12-13 (NIV)
The word encourage in this passage does not mean to offer kind words. It means to urge, plead or beg. When a dear friend decides to no longer live the God-centered life, we must go after them and encourage them.
We all need to keep our lives open to the encouragement of followers of Jesus. We are called to help each other and to keep open hearts.
Make the spiritual approach, but do it with gentleness and respect. Make sure your friend knows that you have their best interest in mind. Appeal to them on the basis of love.
Blessings!
© Copyright 2007 Smalley Relationship Center
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