Daily devotional, Nov 23, 2023 Lovingly Yours

“I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.” Isaiah 42:16

Before the advent of the internet and social media, radio programs that dispense advice to its listeners were popular. The program host usually takes in phone calls, and the listener tells her story and seeks the advice of the DJ. The audience on the other hand are entertained with this especially if the problem is relatable.

At some point in our lives, someone has also sought our advice. Maybe because of our experience, or because the person concerned trusts us. Whatever the case may be we should be conscious about the counsel we give so that we could not unwittingly mislead others.

"The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.” Proverbs 12:15

So how do we make sure that we can give sound advice to someone who needs our guidance? Well first, we should base our counsel from biblical truths. Bible-based advice is the best advice we can give because scriptures are meant to teach us. In his letter to Timothy, the Apostle Paul said:

 "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17

By basing our counsel in biblical truths we get to avoid being used as the enemy’s mouthpiece. Let us remember that practical advice is not always the godly advice to give, since it is usually focused on worldly things. For instance, a person with financial struggles finally has the chance to get a windfall from a lopsided business deal that is not actually illegal but is unfair to the other party. Would you advise your friend to do the practical thing of pushing through with the deal, or do you lead him to the righteous path of foregoing that transaction? Proverbs 14:12 reminds us: “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.”

Another misguided advice some equally misguided people may give is to consult fortune tellers, mediums and spirit questors. Never do this. There are countless bible passages that warn believers from consulting omens, communicating with the dead, and the like:

"Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD" Deuteronomy 18:10-12

As responsible human beings we must make sure to give good and godly advice to people seeking our counsel. Our sincerity plays a huge part in this. Proverbs 27:6 encourages us to be willing to say the ugly truth to our friends and loved ones, if only to help them get back on the right track. “Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.” Also, let the person seek the advice of elders and those who are looking out for his well-being. Proverbs 11:14 says: “For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.”

The best advice to tell a needy friend though is to redirect him to the Lord. Tell him to personally seek God’s guidance about his situation because no one else can seek His directions on his behalf. James, the brother of Jesus said this in his letter to the believers in Jerusalem:

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” James 1:5

Tell the person to pray and read the bible, and invite the Holy Spirit to dwell in him so that he could be enlightened. Encourage him to spend quiet time with the Lord, seek His words, and pray for His guidance. Urge him to hold on to God’s promise to guide the path of the righteous.

“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.” John 16:13

Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to ponder on Psalm 32:8-9 and Isaiah 48:17-18 to dig deeper on today’s topic.

Reflection Question: When was the last time you gave advice to a friend? Was it a practical or a godly advice?

Conversation with the Lord: Heavenly Father please give me wisdom to dispense godly advice to people seeking for help and direction. May I always remember to lead them to You, because only you could guide them to the right path. Amen