What’s your platform?
We tend to think about it in terms of social media, how many friends or followers you have, the number of likes on your post, or the amount of times it has been shared. You imagine popular people on Instagram or Twitter who shape conversations and have a large influence.
Other times, we think about platform as a way to propel our business forward, sharing our products and connecting with our customers. It's a venue of sharing and communicating.
But what about you?
While you may not think you have one, you do.
God has uniquely positioned you into a family and network of relationships for a plan and a purpose, equipped with the Word of truth to guide our encouragement to those who need it. We hear their sorrows and struggles on a walk with a neighbour, out for coffee with a friend, or during a visit at church.
These are your people.
In When Words Matter Most: Speaking Truth With Grace to Those You Love, written by Cheryl Marshall & Caroline Newheiser, they remind us of our calling to speak biblical truth into the lives of those who are spiritually struggling and teach us to share these words of truth to point them to Christ.
The first chapters look at God’s call for each of us to build up the church by growing in knowledge and maturity, and to extend the same grace to others that has been given to us, by becoming a gracious friend. They share practical ways to develop our own hearts, submitted to Christ.
The second half guides us to the word of God as truth to be shared, it’s attributes and transforming power. We are reminded how the Bible is intended to teach, reprove, correct and train us to live righteously for God. They highlight passages we can share with the worried, the weary, the wayward, and the weeping.
Ladies, you may not feel ‘good enough’ or ‘wise enough’ but you're called to build up his body and steward the relationships he’s given you. Even when we feel timid, his word is bold, and carries the power of hope in our suffering. While you may be a great listener and a loving friend, it’s through him and because of him this work is accomplished.
“An important point for you to consider when speaking truth in times of sorrow; your role in the lives of those who weep isn’t to be their sole comforter; your role is to direct them to the Comforter of their souls” (p.171).
If you’ve ever struggled to know what to say to a friend or family member struggling spiritually, this book is for you. It’s written to “encourage and equip you to speak truth with grace into the lives of those you love” (p.21).
If you want to learn how to share Scripture in a helpful and meaningful way with others, this book is for you.
Quick Stats
# of pages: 176
Level of Difficulty: Easy
My Rating: 5 stars!
*A big thanks to Netgalley and Crossway for the complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to post an honest review!