A word aptly spoken is often delivered by the most reluctant of messengers.  There is never a more difficult time than when you must tell someone you care about the painful truth. And I could imagine how incredibly nerve-racking it would be to stand before your superior and give them “a good talking to” because his conduct is wrong or her thinking is mistaken.  One never knows how something like that will go, and many times we care so much for the individual that it hurts us too much to bring them pain. 

   But God’s word must not be diluted.  His truth must never be reduced to comforting devotional thoughts that lift the Spirit, when at times the power of the sword of the Spirit must cut down pride, prejudice, and presumption.  But, there is always grace where compassion resides.  God purposefully chose Daniel because He knew Daniel would speak with grace, yet not bend on truth.  And in so doing he became a tool in the divine Physician’s hand, not only to break the bones of the King, but to reset them to insure proper growth for the future.  And that is what God has called us all to be as believers.  Ambassadors for Him!  Never walking away from a fight for truth, and always speaking with diplomacy and respect…and always willing to stick it out for the long haul…until sanity prevails.  (v34)

Father, may my feelings for those around me never over-power Your deeper feelings of Divine love.  May You grant me wisdom to speak Your words of truth in and out of season to lift up the brokenhearted, humble the proud, and always point people to “raise their eyes toward heaven” (v34v) and find life in You!  Amen!