"Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar poured on a wound, is one who sings songs to a heavy heart."
( TNIV)
"If anyone loudly blesses a neighbour early in the morning, it will be taken as a curse."
( TNIV)
When and how we do things matters as much as what we do. Cheerful songs and hearty blessings are good in themselves, but sometimes they may do more harm than good. And it doesn't stop with songs and blessings.
is good and true, but not usually the best thing to say to someone mourning the loss of a loved one. Evangelism is very good and important, but pushy or confrontational evangelism can do more harm than good.
We are responsible under God to be considerate and sensitive. We should probably hold back joyful songs, or lectures about God's love and sovereignty, when grief is immediate and intense. "Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn" ( TNIV). Without compromising the truth, our witness to Christ should be done "with gentleness and respect" ( TNIV).
There must be countless ways to apply this biblical principle. When and how we do things matters as much as what we do. This month, let's apply it to our celebration of motherhood. Mother's Day is May 11th.
It is right to appreciate motherhood, to encourage mothers, and to admire godly mothers. But let's be sensitive to those for whom Mother's Day might be painful. Some children have had unloving or even abusive mothers; some people have lost their mothers, and some mothers have lost children; some women without children want desperately to be mothers.
So let's celebrate Mother's Day with grace and sensitivity, remembering that when and how we do things is as important as what we do.
- Larry