How are You Inclined to Respond?

John Osborne

The other day I visited with a young woman 83 years of age. She shared with me that earlier that day she had been rather short and abrupt with someone who had inadvertently gotten in her way. She started out kind and cordial, but quickly escalated her disapproval of the other person’s behavior in a harsh and unkind way. She mentioned that at the time of the incident she thought nothing of it because she felt justified in her expression of disapproval. It was only later after the incident that she sensed the Lord pricking her heart about how she had spoken.

As she relayed this story to me, what surprised me was what came out of her mouth next. “I have so much to learn,” she said. She has served the Lord for a number of decades, she knows more about the Bible than most people I know, she is an outstanding encourager and prayer warrior, and she is a true inspiration. Yet, with all of that, she walks humbly enough to admit she still has so much to learn. It was not long into our conversation that she mentioned she would probably have to apologize when given an opportunity.

Later that day I found myself in nearly the same type of situation. The words that came out of my mouth were less than kind and encouraging. Something took place where I was quick to speak and slow to listen. Oops! Wrong order according to James 1:19.

I am reminded and encouraged by the simple truth that we can constantly grow in our relationship with God. No matter how young or old, mature in the faith or not, we need to find ourselves growing. God also desires for us to grow in humility. I had to go and apologize to the person I had been short with. Here are a couple verses that speak of God’s desire for us to continually grow in our faith.

1 Peter 2:2-3: “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.”

2 Peter 1:5-8: “For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

May each of us continue to grow in our relationship with God.