6/27/25

Acts 21:13 NASB95 Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but even to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”

I wonder how many well-meaning friends and family members have hindered the work of God, simply because they acted and responded out of emotion instead of the will of God.

A parent holding back their child from surrendering to ministry simply because they know it will be hard.

A person keeping their spouse from going on a missionary journey because they will miss the family.

A person not correcting a friend because they don't want to make them mad or upset them, even though they know the friend has turned his or her back on the will of God.

Paul tells his friends, family, brothers, and sisters, Do not make it hard for me to follow God and His will. Instead, encourage me to be obedient to God.

God corrected Cain when he turned from God. He then encouraged him to follow God.

This is the design. We should never hinder obedience to the will of God, but should encourage obedience. Oftentimes, just like Paul, the person has enough flesh attempting to hold him or her back from complete surrender. They do not need this from those they care for. Barnabas encouraged Paul to go to the apostles, yet he discouraged Paul from hindering John Mark. Through those lessons of encouraging and not hindering obedience to God, Paul now knows, even in the misleading of his loved ones, that he must be obedient even if it means discomfort or death.

It can be extremely difficult not to allow emotions to get in the way. However, we must remember emotions are often fleshly and sinful. Therefore we need to set aside the emotions and rely on the wisdom of God's Holy word and the guidance of the Spirit. The Spirit's guidance will always be in agreement with God's word. In doing this we will help our friends and loved ones to be in the most precious place they can be. That place is the center of God's will.

Encourage obedience, discourage disobedience. Do not allow emotions to get in the way of being used by God for your friends and family.

Love Bro. Scott