Barbara Benfield Blog

To the ladies I’ve been fortunate enough to counsel in some way —

I recently found myself in a conversation with a dear friend whom I exhorted concerning her interaction with her daughter who is living with a man to whom she is not married. I challenged my friend to speak truth to her daughter, in love, even if it offends. I don’t think my friend was happy with me.

Later it came to me that the advice I gave needs to be consistent in all my conversations and counsel, even if it offends. I recently listened to a teaching that emphasized the fact that in the Christian life, there is no neutral. We must stand on truth and teach truth without compromise.

I believe my burden to put this out there is conviction from the Holy Spirit.

So ladies, please, if you are living in willful sin (knowingly sinning but justifying it), get out of it – repent – so the Lord will open the doors for you that He has already put into motion, “…which God created beforehand that you should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10).

God is not glorified in your sin.

Consider this Scripture:

¹⁹ Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His;” and, “Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to keep away from wickedness.” ²⁰ Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver implements, but also implements of wood and of earthenware, and some are for honor while others are for dishonor. ²¹ Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be an implement for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work. ²² Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. (2 Timothy 2:19-22 NASB)