Read: Luke 10:41-42 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Gentle Correction – Jesus, Mary, Martha, and Lazarus
Mary, Martha, and Lazarus had a friend in Jesus. He would often visit the family and had a close relationship and love for the siblings. One day Mary and Martha received word that Jesus and His disciples would be visiting their home for dinner. Immediately Martha went to work preparing the home and food for dinner. When Jesus arrived, Mary took a front row seat at the feet of Jesus, anxious to listen to His teachings. Martha, on the other hand, was more concerned with preparations and the fact that Martha was not helping. She went to Jesus and asked, 40“Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.” Jesus took the opportunity to gently correct Martha by telling her it was more important to spend time with Him than worry about preparing for dinner.
Sometimes friendships require us to be honest about something we see in our friends that may be detrimental to them or their faith. It is easier to avoid and hope our friends figure out their situation on their own. But as a faithful friend, we would be remiss in our responsibility to them if we avoided the potentially difficult conversation. However, it is important to follow the example Jesus gave when he spoke with Martha. Gentle correction not only approaches a situation with grace but also gives the opportunity for a healthy discussion where our friends know we are coming to them in love rather than judgment.
To learn more about the friendship of Jesus, Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, read Luke 10:38-42 and John 11:1-43.
