We understand that your friend, although saved and born again, is struggling with feeling personally attacked by biblical guidelines. It's important to remember that as new creations in Christ, we are called to be teachable and to grow in our faith. Let's pray together and seek God's will for her life.
Firstly, let's address the feeling of being prickly and irritated. The Bible tells us in Proverbs 15:1, "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." Also, in Ephesians 4:2, it says, "with all lowliness and humility, with patience, bearing with one another in love." We pray that your friend will embrace these virtues, becoming more gentle and patient, bearing with others in love rather than feeling irritated.
Secondly, let's address the resistance to correction. In Proverbs 9:8, it says, "Donโt rebuke a scoffer, or he will hate you. Rebuke a wise man, and he will love you." We pray that your friend will become wise, loving correction rather than resenting it. Also, in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, it says, "Every Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." We pray that she will understand that correction is a part of growing in godliness and that it equips us for good works.
Lastly, let's remind her that her identity is in Christ. In Galatians 2:20, it says, "I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I that live, but Christ living in me. That life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself up for me." We pray that she will live by faith in the Son of God, secure in her identity in Christ, not feeling personally attacked by biblical guidelines.
Dear Lord, we come before you today to lift up our sister in Christ. We ask that you help her to become more gentle, patient, and loving. Help her to embrace correction as a means of growing in godliness. Remind her of her identity in Christ, secure in your love. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
We encourage her to continue in her faith, to study the word of God, and to seek community with other believers. Remind her that we all struggle, but through Christ, we have the power to overcome. If she hasn't already, encourage her to invite Jesus into this area of her life, asking him to help her to change and grow.