Get the appWalking With Others Through Life’s ValleysSample
HURT VS. HARM
I once took my youngest son to the dentist for his yearly checkup. Unfortunately, the exam revealed Troy’s first cavity. For most of us, this is a routine procedure, but not for an eight-year-old. I was troubled by the deep fear in Troy’s eyes as the dentist gave him a small shot to numb the area and then drilled away the tooth’s decay to repair the damage. I felt bad for my son, but in that moment an important thought occurred to me: the process hurt my son, but it didn’t harm him. In fact, the whole point was to prevent further problems.
This same concept can be applied more broadly to a reality many families face: A loved one loses their way in life and winds up involved in destructive behavior. If you’ve ever been in circumstances like this – or if you’re there now – then you know firsthand the challenge of making hard choices about a loved one’s behavior. “Tough love” is often required, but interventions, having someone removed from the home, or structured marital separations can be overwhelming decisions. Part of the struggle is the failure to distinguish between “hurting” someone and “harming” them.
Trust me, I understand that tough decisions about a loved one are hardly the same as a trip to the dentist. But the principle is what matters: our choice to help someone heal may hurt them, but it won’t harm them. As Hebrews 12:11 says, the Lord takes this very approach with us for our own benefit.
For a daily dose of encouragement and perspective, check out Jim Daly’s blog, Daly Focus, at JimDalyBlog.com.
I once took my youngest son to the dentist for his yearly checkup. Unfortunately, the exam revealed Troy’s first cavity. For most of us, this is a routine procedure, but not for an eight-year-old. I was troubled by the deep fear in Troy’s eyes as the dentist gave him a small shot to numb the area and then drilled away the tooth’s decay to repair the damage. I felt bad for my son, but in that moment an important thought occurred to me: the process hurt my son, but it didn’t harm him. In fact, the whole point was to prevent further problems.
This same concept can be applied more broadly to a reality many families face: A loved one loses their way in life and winds up involved in destructive behavior. If you’ve ever been in circumstances like this – or if you’re there now – then you know firsthand the challenge of making hard choices about a loved one’s behavior. “Tough love” is often required, but interventions, having someone removed from the home, or structured marital separations can be overwhelming decisions. Part of the struggle is the failure to distinguish between “hurting” someone and “harming” them.
Trust me, I understand that tough decisions about a loved one are hardly the same as a trip to the dentist. But the principle is what matters: our choice to help someone heal may hurt them, but it won’t harm them. As Hebrews 12:11 says, the Lord takes this very approach with us for our own benefit.
For a daily dose of encouragement and perspective, check out Jim Daly’s blog, Daly Focus, at JimDalyBlog.com.
Scripture
About this Plan
Think of the people around you – family, friends, co-workers. Many of them may be suffering great pain in life and could use a special touch from the Lord. That’s where you come in. God often extends His healing hand through the loving compassion of His people. We weren’t designed to journey alone, but to walk hand-in-hand through life’s valleys with each other, strengthened by the love and support of a community. This week, let’s explore how you can be the hands and feet of Christ in the lives of those around you.
More
We would like to thank Jim Daly for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: www.jimdalyblog.com
Related Plans
Expressing God's Love to Those Around You
Growing Through Perseverance
Living With Integrity
The Power Of Being Thankful
The Power of a Simple Prayer
Choosing Each Day: God or Self?
Billy Graham's the Reason for My Hope
The Overwhelmed Challenge
How To Get Through What You're Going Through
