When I'm going through something, the last thing I want to hear is a scripture.

Most of us have felt this way at one time or another. At our most troubling and difficult time, the LAST thing we'd want to hear is a quote from the Bible. Even though this may be a true reflection of how we're feeling (at the time), following this 'standard' will be a great travesty in our lives.

1 Corinthians 3:3 (KJV) - For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?

During trying times, the ONE THING we need is a scripture!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Difficult times can bring a myriad of emotions. As you may already know, living through your emotions may not lead you on paths of righteousness. Emotions can be VERY fickle and change like the wind, so allowing them to rule our lives can be a detriment. For example, let's imagine that you’re very angry and want to take out a 'little' revenge. If you allow that emotion to continue, you may take actions that lead to sin bringing even more anger, pain, hurt, etc.

But what would happen if you received a scripture in the heat of these emotions?!

Thinking of my own situations, there were times when I wondered why someone would be giving me a scripture (living in the flesh). But as their words of faith settled in, I'd realize they are right and I'd seek to calm my emotions to the point where I can think rationally (again). (Unless my (or anyone else's) heart was completely hardened, I wouldn’t be able to receive the message when I needed it the most.)

Would a true friend tell you what you need to hear or want to hear?

Proverbs 27:6 (KJV) - Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

A true friend would tell us what we need to hear when we need to hear it. They would tell us what's best for us because they want to help us live righteously before God. The 'sting' of the scripture may hurt at the time it's given (because it's stinging the flesh), but in time it can become a soothing balm for our souls.

So, how can we give someone a scripture?

Galatians 6:1 (KJV) - Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

Depending on the person and/or situation, a direct quotation from scripture may not be the 'route' to take. It is these times when we must use a little tactfulness. (Remember, the Holy Spirit ALWAYS takes precedence!) For example, if someone is really mad and has something angry to say at the 'offender,' that person may not be able to 'receive' a direct scripture. Let's look at a few scriptures in this situation:

Proverbs 15:1 (KJV) - A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

James 1:19-20 (KJV) - Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

Matthew 5:39 (KJV) - But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.

Proverbs 19:11 (KJV) - The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.

Instead of quoting the scripture directly, you may be able to say, 'hey, you may think going off on that person may seem like a good idea, but it'll cause more drama and make things a lot worse. It would be a lot better if you take some time to cool off and think of a better and quieter (less revengeful) way to express your emotions. You may even think about letting it go altogether and turn the other cheek.'

Be prepared for more dialogue as the person in question processes these comments, but this is one of many ways to introduce a scripture (or scriptures) into someone's life. When people are emotional, they may not be thinking about godliness. It is in these moments when we can help them see their situation for what it truly is and help them live righteously.

Proverbs 15:23 (KJV) - A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!

The purpose in providing a 'word in due season' is building the other person via discipleship.

Psalm 119:9 (KJV) - Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.