More than a professional “nice person”

Dear Pastor,

I am reminded that so much of our ministry consists of loving people, listening to people, encouraging people and demonstrating the fruit of the Spirit of love, joy, kindness and gentleness.

But I need to be reminded myself that I am more than just the professional “nice guy.”

Niceness is not the mission but rather bringing glory to God and making disciples while walking with the Holy Spirit and exhibiting His fruit to other people.

When I am tempted to think that one of the biggest facets of my job is to be nice and make every feel good about themselves and to make them like me, then I miss the calling of God on my life to speak truth into people’s lives.

Very often we may sacrifice the sharing of gospel truths when we are just trying to make people feel comfortable. The reality is that God’s truth always confronts our sin, and He asks us as His children and His ministers to help others also to discover the holy truth of God that confronts their sin.

So please, don’t fall into the modern trap of just being “nice,” instead, listen to the Holy Spirit, speak the truth in love, show the radical grace of God, and live out holiness while also calling others to the same!