Shepherding with the Right Word

Sometimes shepherding with too many indoctrinated words may not be the right word to shepherd those who are in need of shepherding. Some people just don't need too many unnecessary words. What they need is just the right word. Perhaps, it may even be just a few words. 

Col 4:6Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.

Eph 4:29Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but only that which is good for building up, according to the need, that it may give grace to those who hear.

I have been learning this lesson of shepherding. Sometimes, out of burden, I spoke things too much. Sometimes, too many words spoilt the shepherding. Now, I have been learning to shepherd people with the right word. If need be, more words. Words are needed, but the word must be seasoned with salt and the word must be full of grace anointed by the Spirit to minsitry life to the recipient of the speaking. 

One sister I have been shepherding has completely closed herself. Though I spoke free and frank words to hear with much warning and encouragement, it looked like she just could not take it any longer. She seems to have done what I have warned her of. She even started avoiding me. Perhaps, scared even to hear anything that I would say. This was a good lesson for me in shepherding people. The Lord just showed me that without Him as the Shepherd, I cannot shepherd anybody. Every attempt at my shepherding for good just turned out to be just the exact opposite of my intention. So I decided to keep quiet and wait for the right word.

Things did not go well with this sister. Especially in her studies and exams. The marks she got were far below her level. I knew why all these happened to her. She completely lost that blessing of God for the obvious reason. So she needed much prayer support and shepherding with the proper word at the proper time. So, I waited and waited for the opportunity to shepherd her. When things did not turn out well with her, the Lord just gave me a few words. Those words were sufficient to shepherd her. 

In fact, in reply to one of her text messages, I simply wrote two sentences. I believe, that sufficed.

Only God can bless. Only God is the Blessing.

These words were more than sufficient to take care of her situation and the inner emotional complications she has been embroiled in. Now, I just wait for the Lord's further word. I pray for her daily and leave her matter to the Lord. 

May the Lord's perfect will be done in her life. May the Lord grace her day by day with Himself as her life supply.