Ever so often people will ask you for advice. I suggest you contemplate something for consideration. They really don’t want you to tell them the truth. Here’s why I suggest this…
I’ve talked to a lot of people over the years as a pastor trying to help them through life difficulties. In all cases the issue is not what I think, but what the Scripture commands. My responsibility (And yours as a Christian) is to guide them to the Scripture relying on the Holy Spirit to apply it as He desires. However, looking back, I’ve realized a few things about a most of those counseling/facilitating events…
People want affirmation rather than honest evaluation…
They prefer confirmation of what they want to do or are doing…
If there is more than one party involved, they want the other person “straightened out…”
Too many times the person really doesn’t want to take seriously what the Scripture directs in their situation (Forgiveness… mercy… love)…
People don’t get hints, so it is best to speak bluntly, even if they will be offended by truth…
It is rare that people really want help with their problem because…
They’d prefer a band aid to real help.
A band aid is insufficient when radical surgery is called for. Oh that we all would have ears to hear God’s loving and good plan for us in difficulties! Always speak the TRUTH in love… regardless of the possible reaction of the other person.