Discovering comfort in despair and exercising caution in triumph stands as a testament to the dual nature of God's love—a profound call to fear God, not man.

In the depths of my lowest moments, I find peace in the unwavering love of God, a love that persists even when I am at my most flawed and vulnerable. It is during these times of despair that His love becomes a comforting embrace, a reassurance that I am not alone in my struggles.

However, as I enjoy the glory of my triumphs and revel in moments of success, I sense a cautionary whisper from Holy Spirit. It is a gentle reminder that, even in moments of prosperity, humility and gratitude should be my guiding lights. God, in His infinite wisdom, cautions us not to lose sight of the values and virtues that define our character, urging us to remain grounded and compassionate.

This dual nature of God's guidance serves as a profound reminder that His love is both unconditional and instructive. In my lowest moments, He is my refuge, and in my highest achievements, He is my compass, steering me toward a path of righteousness and humility. God's love encompasses the entirety of my journey, embracing me in my brokenness and gently guiding me through the peaks and valleys of life.

God's love, a constant source of support, not only uplifts me during adversity but also guides me with a watchful eye when life's successes come my way.

It's truly remarkable how central to Jesus's message is the idea of loving us at our lowest and even cruelest points. His willingness to undergo a horrific death, essentially taking upon himself what was meant for us, demonstrates an unfathomable depth of love.

This wasn't a spur-of-the-moment decision; it was part of God's plan from the very beginning, long before the creation of anything. God foresaw everything, including Lucifer's rebellion, which led to the introduction of sin into the world. It started as an act of pride by a holy angel in the heavens, rippling down to Earth when Lucifer was cast out like lightning. And now, as the fallen angel Satan roams the earth, sin permeates our existence. Yet, in the midst of all this, Jesus's message remains one of love and redemption, offering hope even in our darkest moments.

Like a caring father cherishing his child, I often sense that God, who embraced our brokenness and cruelty, communicates with us differently in times of success versus times of struggle. Despite remaining the same loving God, His messages may take on a different tone.

The Bible provides cautions and guidance about success and the potential pitfalls of forgetting God in moments of achievement. One notable verse that addresses this is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Deuteronomy 8:17-18 (NIV):

"You may say to yourself, 'My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.' But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today."

This passage emphasizes the importance of acknowledging that any success or achievement comes from God's providence and grace. It reminds individuals not to become prideful or attribute their accomplishments solely to their own abilities. Instead, they are encouraged to maintain humility and gratitude, recognizing that their skills and achievements are ultimately gifts from God.

The caution arises when self-centric language, such as "my" and "I", dominates our expressions. The words we choose reveal the state of our hearts, and if there's an abundance of self-centered language, it prompts reflection on a crucial question: who is truly in charge, you or God?

Here are a few more scriptures that caution about the dangers of success and the importance of staying humble and connected to God:

1 Timothy 6:17 (NIV): "Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment."

This verse serves as a cautionary tale against arrogance, which manifests in dismissing others and assuming a stance of superiority. It urges us to resist the allure of pride and instead place our trust in God, recognizing that true success is not solely defined by material achievements. Arrogance, at its core, is the belief in one's superiority or entitlement, often leading to a disregard for others and an overestimation of one's capabilities. It blinds us to our reliance on God's providence and grace, fostering an illusion of self-sufficiency that ultimately leads to spiritual stagnation and separation from divine guidance.

Proverbs 16:18 (NIV): "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall."

This proverb serves as a stark reminder of the dangers inherent in pride, cautioning us about its potential to bring about our downfall. It emphasizes the importance of steering clear of arrogance to avoid jeopardizing the fruits of our labor.

God provides this insightful warning in advance, guiding us away from pitfalls that can undermine our hard work and accomplishments. If, like myself, you desire to shield your life from unnecessary destruction, it becomes evident that the prescription is to refrain from succumbing to pride.

Pride, at its essence, is an inflated sense of self-importance or an exaggerated belief in one's abilities, often leading to a disregard for others and a resistance to acknowledging reliance on external guidance, including that of God. The proverb encourages a humble posture, recognizing the potential perils of pride and advocating for a path that prioritizes humility and gratitude over arrogance and self-sufficiency.

James 4:6 (NIV): "But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: 'God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.'"

In response to OUR actions, God exhibits a distinct REACTION: encouraging believers to uphold a humble attitude, especially in moments of success. This parallels the way we, as parents, intervene to correct our children's misbehavior. It's crucial to recognize that God isn't imitating our human responses in parenting; rather, it's we who mirror our Creator's discipline, administered with love.

The term "opposed" denotes being in conflict or resistance to someone or something. In the context of pride, when Scripture mentions that God opposes the proud, it signifies that He actively resists those who exhibit arrogance and self-sufficiency. Conversely, humility invites God's favor and blessing, as it demonstrates a recognition of our reliance on Him and a willingness to submit to His guidance.

Many times we find ourselves attributing feelings of distance from God to external factors, when in reality, it is often our own pride and disobedience that create barriers in our relationship with Him. 

God's love compels Him to address and correct our prideful tendencies, just as a parent corrects a toddler's behavior to prevent it from taking root and causing harm.

Scripture provides numerous examples of God's discipline as an expression of His love and desire for our growth and well-being:

Proverbs 3:11-12 states, "My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in."

This passage underscores the correlation between God's discipline and His affection for us, highlighting that correction is a manifestation of His love.

Hebrews 12:6 reaffirms this principle: "For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives." Here, the act of discipline is framed as evidence of God's paternal care and acceptance of us as His children.

Furthermore, Revelation 3:19 offers insight into God's purpose behind discipline: "Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent." This verse emphasizes the transformative nature of discipline, urging us to respond with sincerity and repentance, thereby fostering spiritual growth and reconciliation with God.

Philippians 2:3-4 (NIV): "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others."

These scriptures collectively underscore the importance of humility, reliance on God, and maintaining a proper perspective on success to avoid the potential pitfalls that often accompany achievements.

These cautions bring to mind a recent conversation with my 13-year-old grandson. As he enthusiastically shared his accomplishments in school, basketball, and football, and girls, his eyes sparkled with happiness. While celebrating his achievements, I felt compelled to offer more than just congratulations. I reminded him of the importance of staying humble.

In response to my advice, he looked at me with curiosity and even a hint of annoyance and asked, "Nana, why does everyone keep telling me that?" I chuckled, realizing that the "everyone" included the adults closest to him, those who love him the most: His parents and grandparents. Unlike friends and peers who may express admiration, our love as parents and grandparents carries a unique blend of support, guidance, and, at times, admonition—the kind of love that not only celebrates but also challenges, guiding our loved ones through the complexities of life. We have a parents love that not only approves but also disapproves, when necessary, a love that gently cautions and is unafraid to address the harder truths.

In today's society, it seems that the type of love described above (both love and correction) is often overlooked. While we readily express affection and correction to our children, we sometimes neglect to extend the same love and understanding to our friends and acquaintances. Instead, we hide behind a metaphorical brick wall, fearful of inadvertently causing offense.

There's a prevailing sentiment that it's better to remain silent than risk upsetting someone else. However, it's crucial to recognize that offense isn't solely caused by the words or actions of others; it begins within the individual who feels offended.

Offense, whether stemming from a harsh truth or a falsehood, is an internal response within the person affected, originating not in the words spoken but, in the perceptions, and sensitivities of the recipient.

Exploring the theme of offense in scripture sheds light on the complex dynamics surrounding interpersonal relationships. In Matthew 18:15-17, Jesus provides a framework for addressing offenses within the community of believers: "If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over." This approach encourages direct communication and resolution, emphasizing the importance of personal responsibility in addressing conflicts.

Proverbs 12:16 offers wisdom on handling offense: "Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult." This proverb underscores the virtue of patience and the discernment to overlook minor slights, promoting a spirit of understanding and forgiveness.

In Ephesians 4:29, the apostle Paul emphasizes the constructive power of words: "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." This verse underscores the responsibility we bear for the impact our words can have on others, urging us to choose language that fosters unity and uplifts rather than causing unnecessary offense.

Proverbs 17:9, states, "Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends." This verse emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and grace in our relationships. Rather than dwelling on grievances or perpetuating conflicts, we're encouraged to extend compassion and understanding, thereby preserving the bonds of friendship.

In navigating the delicate balance of expressing love without fear of offense, these scriptural insights guide us toward a more compassionate and understanding approach in our relationships, encouraging open communication, patience, and the constructive use of words to build up those around us.

However, we must also embrace the truth that if Jesus is our example, we should not fear to speak truth to anyone. This encompasses the fear of man, a concept addressed in various scriptures. One such scripture is found in Proverbs 29:25, which states, "Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe." This verse emphasizes the danger of allowing the opinions and reactions of others to dictate our actions.

When we prioritize the fear of man over our trust in God, we become ensnared by the expectations and judgments of those around us, hindering our ability to live according to His truth.

Similarly, Galatians 1:10 reinforces this concept: "Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ." Here, the apostle Paul challenges us to examine our motives and allegiances. When we prioritize seeking the approval of others over obeying God, we compromise our identity as followers of Christ.

AGAIN: WE COMPROMISE OUR IDENTITY AS FOLLOWERS OF JESUS

WHEN WE TURN INTO PEOPLE PLEASERS.

I didn't say that - God did.

Take it up with him if you have issues telling the truth.

There is deliverance for that.

Yet, in John 14:12, Jesus declares, "Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father." This statement highlights our divine calling to emulate Jesus in this world. Just as Jesus fearlessly spoke truth and confronted falsehoods, we are called to do the same, trusting in God to guide and protect us as we fulfill His purposes.

We are reminded that God does not want us to shy away from speaking truth, but rather encourages us to boldly proclaim His message, knowing that He will faithfully take care of the rest. As we walk in the footsteps of Jesus, may we find courage in His example and trust in His provision, allowing His love to shine through us in every interaction.

The sincerity of communication is a vital reflection of one's character and adherence to the principle of truthfulness. In assessing the depth of our commitment to honesty, we must scrutinize whether our words are motivated by a genuine pursuit of truth or if fear governs our interactions, leading us to employ flattery and deception to avoid offense.

Consider the scenario where a person, with visible excess weight, seeks an opinion on their appearance. If we respond with a falsehood to spare their feelings, we may unwittingly succumb to the fear of wo-man, prioritizing the avoidance of discomfort over the value of truth. This reluctance to convey an honest assessment stems from the apprehension of causing offense, a sentiment that diverges from the virtue of candidness.

Similarly, if we encounter a situation where someone, oblivious to a fashion faux pas, inquires about their outfit's appeal, our response becomes a litmus test of our commitment to truth. Choosing to affirmatively respond when the outfit is evidently unsuitable aligns us with the Father of lies and highlights our submission to the fear of man, as we prioritize social harmony over sincerity.

Moreover, the reluctance to address a noticeable flaw, such as spinach in someone's teeth, exposes an aversion to potentially causing offense. This tendency to delegate the truth-telling to someone else indicates a hesitancy to bear the responsibility of honesty, which stands contrary to the concept that truth is an expression of love.

Scripture emphasizes the importance of truthful communication. Ephesians 4:15 encourages speaking the truth in love, emphasizing the inseparable connection between the two. Proverbs 27:6 also underscores the value of wounds from a friend, acknowledging the significance of genuine, even if uncomfortable, counsel.

If truth is indeed an embodiment of love, as Scripture teaches, we should strive to overcome the fear of man, recognizing that honesty, spoken in love, promotes growth and authenticity in our relationships. By aligning our words with the principles of truthfulness found in the Word, we foster an environment where genuine communication prevails, fortifying bonds through the strength of sincerity.

The trustworthiness of an individual in handling truth is indeed a significant aspect of their character, particularly in the context of their relationship with God. If one hesitates to speak the truth due to the fear of causing offense, it raises questions about their fidelity to honesty and their readiness to bear the responsibility that comes with it. Can God use you, if you are a liar? You will be tested.

Consider the scenario where the fear of causing discomfort leads someone to avoid speaking the truth. In such instances, the individual may inadvertently be signaling a lack of trustworthiness in handling God's truth. God entrusts His followers with the responsibility of conveying His truth in various situations, even when it may lead to uncomfortable moments.

If someone consistently defers the responsibility of delivering truth to others, it could be perceived as a lack of faithfulness in being a vessel for God's message. 

The reluctance to embrace the discomfort that truth may bring can hinder one's effectiveness as a messenger of God's word.

The Bible emphasizes the importance of truthfulness and courage in conveying God's message. Proverbs 12:22 states, "The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy." This verse underscores the divine delight in individuals who are faithful and trustworthy in their communication.

Moreover, Galatians 1:10 challenges believers not to seek the approval of people but to prioritize pleasing God. If the fear of man takes precedence over the commitment to truth, it may indicate a misalignment of priorities.

Ultimately, the question of who one bows to becomes crucial. If the fear of causing offense or discomfort holds more influence than the commitment to truth and fidelity to God's message, it might be time for introspection and a reassessment of one's priorities. God seeks individuals who are steadfast in their dedication to truth, even in the face of discomfort, as they become reliable conduits for His divine message.

Copyright © Amanda Allen, Kingdom Revelations, 2024. All rights reserved. This article may be shared with acknowledgment of the author and the original source. Artwork included.