“A wise man will hear, and will increase learning;
and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsel:”
Proverbs 1:5
Family, friends and guests are creative and interesting individuals who can be very informative too. When we invite people we know or from different walks of life into our spaces, there’s a lot to glean from their experiences and expertise. If we’re willing to open our minds and hearts to what they have to share, we can learn tons of new stuff. There can be a tendency to invite people in just to be heard and let them know what’s going on in our lives. However, showing hospitality is not meant to create an audience for our self-promotion. It’s an opportunity to invest in someone else and listen, learn, and gain from the wise counsel they may have to offer.
The definition of “Hospitable” goes further than we may realize, as I found in Webster’s 2021 Online Dictionary:
Hospitable – adjective
1 a : given to generous and cordial reception of guests
b : promising or suggesting a generous and friendly welcome
c : offering a pleasant or sustaining environment
2 : readily receptive: OPEN //hospitable to new ideas
The second definition stood out to me more than the first (which is what I understood it to mean). I didn’t expect the second meaning—“readily receptive: OPEN” with the example of being, “hospitable to new ideas.” This opened my eyes to new possibilities.
Opening our heart and home to others can provide benefits we may not be taking advantage of. If we’re closed off to what others share, we could be missing out on wisdom that could help us avoid unnecessary struggles.
In the last few months, I’ve been in a season of struggles that I’ve found hard to deal with. Though I try to press forward, I haven’t made progress with these issues. The other day, as I asked God to open my eyes and show me what to do, He clearly revealed that I needed to seek wise counsel. Not only did He show me this need, he provided sources to meet the need. All I have to do is be open to it.
Being Open to God’s Counsel
The hardest thing I find about God’s counsel isn’t learning what it is, its doing what He says. His Word provides the answers. I just have to do it.
“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally,
and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” James 1:5
Being Open to a Multitude of Counsellors
If we’re open-minded and listen, we can learn from others in our lives. God wants us to lean on and learn from each other too. We can receive great coaching, guidance and encouragement from:
- Our Spouse
- Family Members
- Close Friends
- Spiritual Leaders
- Christian Counselors
“Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.”
Proverbs 15:22
Being Open to Following Godly Counsel
Good counsel is useless if we continue exhibiting the same behaviors and attitudes. It’s my prayer that, as I open my heart to the wise counsel God is sending my way; I’ll follow His instructions and see victory over my struggles.
Stay tuned…
“Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.” Proverbs 19:20
Bring It Home
If you’re struggling like I am today, do you need to open up to wise counsel and increase your learning?
Praying for you as we grow together, Smiles, BRC
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