“Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.” (2 Timothy 2:25-26 NLT)
Trying to talk sense into someone’s life can be fruitless. It’s about as unproductive as hanging an apple on a barren apple tree. The tree might look like it finally is bearing fruit, but it isn’t.
We can gently point out truth, but we have no control over whether others internalize it or not. Our convincing arguments and logical reasoning may influence their thoughts. Our emotional pleas may sway them temporarily. But we do not have the power to rescue a prisoner of war who is held captive by lies. Only God can change hearts. Under His influence, people can come to their senses. This kind of internal transformation produces true fruit.
“I'll give you a new heart, put a new spirit in you. I'll remove the stone heart from your body and replace it with a heart that's God-willed, not self-willed.” (Ezekiel 36:26)
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