Saturday, September 20, 2025

This week’s message reminds us that avoiding difficult conversations often leads to more harm than good. When we let fear of conflict control us, resentment grows, relationships suffer, and peace slips away. But Jesus offers us a better way.

In Matthew 18, he instructs us to go directly and gently to the person who has hurt us. That means addressing the issue with clarity, not hostility, and choosing restoration over avoidance. These conversations may feel uncomfortable, but when handled with humility and love, they can actually deepen trust and heal broken relationships.

Is there a conversation you’ve been avoiding out of fear? What would it look like to approach it with the gentleness and clarity Jesus calls us to?

As you reflect today, I encourage you to pause and listen to the guided prayer below. Let it help quiet your heart and open your mind to what God wants to say.

Guided Prayer: (Guided Prayer Video Link to Follow - Lori will add)
Heavenly Father, you tell us in your word your desire is we love each other. And as you know, sometimes this is challenging. With you we don’t have to be afraid of difficult conversations. We trust that you are giving us everything we need to approach them with gentleness and clarity. Help us to hear from you as we reflect on the people we may be putting off conversations with. Give us the name of that person, right now. (Pause for a name.)

Show us what we need to release to you, what we need to address, and wisdom to know the difference. If a conversation needs to happen, then Lord, show us the real issue. Strip away the surface level tension and help us see what’s underneath. Show us where we need to own something, or where I still have hurt.

What do I need to say to them, God? Big or small, I take a moment to listen for the words you want me to use. (Pause)

God, will you remove the anger and anxiousness, the things that are not of you from my heart and give me the compassionate courage to have the conversation?

So, now I surrender any unhelpful thoughts, emotions or fears to you. We release the “what ifs” to you, and we trust in our timing as you help us to walk into these moments with your heart. Amen.

Series Theme Verse:

Romans 12:17-18
Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.

This post was written by Lori Tuckerman, Director of Content for the Daily LivingItOut