One aspect of living intentionally is seeking wise counsel from a friend. What’s that look like in practice? Where to look? Often, we seek counsel from a close friend. We’re not looking for off-the-top-of-the-head, shallow input. Instead, we need deep advice from the heart of that friend. Regardless of the issue, we need wise counsel […]
Our spiritual depth helps us give hearty counsel to others, which is counsel of the soul. Touching the Heart Some advice heals and encourages us by touching our heart. The advice reaches into the seat of our character, thus touching our integrity and emotions. To reach our heart, the counselor must be sensitive to what […]
We can grow as a result of difficult circumstances. However, we can also be refined by hard conversations. Learning From Life Character development is difficult. It demands that we be patient as we learn from life experiences such as failures, mistakes, and challenging circumstances. When we persist and learn, we build deeper character. At the […]
One aspect of influence with friends is pointing out problems, hence the importance of preparing for hard conversations. This is awkward! Hard conversations, especially with friends, are tough. Even when delivered with grace and discretion, hard-to-hear advice may not be accepted. But, what’s the alternative? We simply bypass that needed conversation by flattery or by […]
Hard conversations are just that, hard. But, what are we willing to hear? Hard Conversations Some conversations are hard because they push us to look deep inside. And, to consider where we need to change. Thus, to admit our current reality, which isn’t sustainable. In Proverbs 27.6 we learn that the “wounds of a friend” […]
