On Second Thought “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends.” —John 15:15 What do you imagine when you enter God’s presence in prayer? Some people picture a distant ruler who must be approached with carefully chosen words. Others imagine a judgeContinue reading “The Friend Who Already Knows What We Cannot Say”
Category Archives: On Second Thought
The Words That Put Courage Back
On Second Thought “Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.” — Proverbs 12:25 Encouragement is one of the simplest gifts we can offer, yet it is also one of the most frequently withheld. We notice that someone appears weary, but we hesitate to speak. We wonder whether our words willContinue reading “The Words That Put Courage Back”
When Friendship Enters a Different Season
On Second Thought “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” —Proverbs 27:17 Relationships move through seasons. A friendship that once seemed effortless may become difficult when work, illness, grief, marriage, caregiving, distance, or new responsibilities change what one person can give. Someone who once called every week may become quiet. A friend whoContinue reading “When Friendship Enters a Different Season”
When Presence Helps More Than Answers
On Second Thought “Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.” — Isaiah 40:1 When someone we care about is hurting, our natural instinct is to search for a solution. We want to stop the pain, correct the problem, or offer advice that will move the person toward a better outcome. This desire often comes fromContinue reading “When Presence Helps More Than Answers”
The Ministry of Staying Beside Someone
On Second Thought “For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.” — 2 Corinthians 1:5 When we see someone carrying several heavy packages, our response is usually immediate. We hold open a door, steady the load, or offer to carry something. The need is visible,Continue reading “The Ministry of Staying Beside Someone”
When Someone Else’s Bitterness Finds You
On Second Thought Bitterness rarely remains contained within the person who carries it. Like smoke escaping from a closed room, it spreads into conversations, relationships, families, congregations, and workplaces. Eventually, someone else begins coughing from a fire that person did not start. At some point, nearly all of us will become the target of angerContinue reading “When Someone Else’s Bitterness Finds You”
When Anger Reaches for the Sword
On Second Thought “Mockers stir up a city, but the wise turn away anger.” — Proverbs 29:8 David knew what it was to be mistreated. He had served King Saul faithfully, defeated Israel’s enemies, and repeatedly spared the life of the man hunting him. Yet in 1 Samuel 25, David nearly allowed one insult toContinue reading “When Anger Reaches for the Sword”
The Strength That Refuses to Explode
On Second Thought “He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.” — Proverbs 16:32 Anger is one of the most powerful emotions we experience, yet it is also one of the most easily misunderstood. Some people assume that becoming angryContinue reading “The Strength That Refuses to Explode”
The Friends Who Help Us Become Faithful
On Second Thought “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” — Proverbs 27:17 Loneliness can make almost any open door look like the right entrance. When someone has gone too long without companionship, the desire to be accepted may become stronger than the wisdom to ask where a relationship is leading. That doesContinue reading “The Friends Who Help Us Become Faithful”
When Fear Freezes Your Feet
On Second Thought “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” — 2 Timothy 1:7 Have you ever watched an opportunity pass while fear held you motionless? Perhaps you wanted to introduce yourself, apologize, offer help, share your faith, or attempt somethingContinue reading “When Fear Freezes Your Feet”