One minute read.
Daily Reading: 2 Chronicles 19:1-20:37, Romans 10:14-11:12, Psalm 21:1-13, Proverbs 20:4-6
Daily Verse: “The purpose in a man’s heart is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out.” Prov. 20:5
Discerning motives.
Good counseling draws out the motives of the heart. Discerning what motivates someone’s actions takes work. Diving deep beneath the surface of a person’s inner world requires insightful questions that draw them out of their shell.
Individuals become masters at living on the surface, diverting attention away from themselves and the inner workings of their minds. Self-defense mechanisms cause us to build walls around emotional injuries, protecting us from further harm. But healing only comes when we learn to work through the pain instead of trying to avoid it.
Like an abused puppy, only with time will they begin to trust. Our dog Sophia suffered unspeakable abuse for the first two years. When we first adopted her, she hid from us. But now, after a decade of love, she follows us everywhere.
Patience, love, and kindness will draw out an individual’s hurt and help them heal. Shower people with love, show them you genuinely care, and give them time to learn to trust you, asking insightful questions to help them heal.
Lord, help us love others well, creating safe environments for them to freely talk about what lies deep in their hearts. Give us insight and wisdom to ask the right questions, helping them heal from past pains. May You receive all the honor and glory. IJNIP. Amen
