Cut to the Heart

Acts 7:54 NIV

"When they heard this, they were furious (cut to the heart - NKJV) and gnashed their teeth at him."

   How do we respond when we hear something we don't like?  Something condemning, convicting - something we know is true, but we have separated it from us, buried so far and so deep, that we are grossly offended that someone would dare to not only find it, but actually retrieve it and put it back in front of us.  Who is this 'someone' that even cares enough about us to take the time and exert the energy required to identify this sin and present it to us?  (Thereby not allowing us to live in the quasi-comfortable and disconnected bubble we've formed?)

   Would a co-worker take the time?  A friend?  Would a good friend put themselves in this uncomfortable position for your benefit?  Would your family member tell you something you need to hear, but don't want to?  Would you even receive it from any of these?  What if it's God who's delivering the message?  Is it ever okay to scoff, get furious and gnash your teeth?

   Well, yes.  The Bible says "Be angry, and do not sin: do not let the sun go down on your wrath," (Eph.4:26)  Getting cut hurts - it's not strange or unexpected that we might feel some fury when it happens.  But how we respond to the 'messenger' is what counts.

   Lord, please help me have listening ears and a malleable heart.  "Let the righteous strike me; it shall be a kindness.  And let him rebuke me; it shall be as excellent oil; Let my head not refuse it."

(Psalm 141:5)  In my next opportunity for correction, which will no doubt be soon, help me listen, thank, and think, without negative response.  May You interpret their words, and impart them to my heart.