Session 1

Thank God for the friends who will tell it like it is

From Jeremiah: A 33-Day Devotional

Some of us grew up in a sanitized church. We put on ties or dresses, threw on a happy face, and pretended everything was perfect for an hour or two. We were taught that church was not a place for our messes, and most of us expected others to leave their messes at home as well.  

The result was a group of people who were either unable or unwilling to address sin in one another’s lives. Fear of stepping on someone's toes stole the power a group of believers is designed to have (Galatians 6:1). 

Sometimes, we need to be told lovingly but bluntly that our sin is not acceptable. That’s what God told Jeremiah to do in Jeremiah 2. God's people had forgotten who they were and what He'd done for them. Like us, they were quick to run to the comforts of their old lives. They turned to idols the way we return to envy, addiction, or resentment. God takes sin seriously and commands us to challenge one another when sin shows up.

The same way a loving parent corrects childish behavior and a good friend tells us we're being extra, God speaks through His Word and His people when what we're doing doesn't line up with who we are. This correction might not feel good at the moment, but it is ultimately for our good (Hebrews 12:11). 

Reflect:

• Is someone in your life willing to bring sin to your attention?
• Is there someone you need to lovingly address a sin issue with?
• If your life is lacking accountability, it's time to connect to real community. Check out Connect Classes or find a NewSpring Group near you.