Colin Brown in the Dictionary of the New Testament defines admonition: “To exert influence upon another (by life and word) to guide him/her into obedience of God’s will as revealed in Scripture. We are to “admonish one another with all wisdom” (Col. In today’s truth-is-relative culture, few are comfortable with calling someone else into account yet this is precisely what God’s Word calls us to do. I knew they loved me like a sister and wanted God’s best for my life. It didn’t take long for me to realize that their concerns were valid, and I left our time together intent on making some significant changes to my life.Ĭonversations like these are never easy or pleasant, although my close friendships with these women made the truth easier to swallow.

We talked for nearly two hours, discussing my schedule, marriage, friendships and even my job.

“I think you need to drop some things from your schedule. “I think you’re right on the edge of burning out.” Glancing around the table, I saw the others nodding in agreement. “You’re doing too much,” Patty began, looking directly into my eyes. I put my fork down and asked, “What concerns you?” So when I recently met with a group of close friends for lunch, I understood what was coming when Patty said, “We need to talk. On more than one occasion, their willingness to tell me the truth saved me from wrong or destructive choices. They were not afraid to tell me the truth, even if it hurt.

While each had different and distinct personalities, gifts and abilities, they all had one thing in common. What makes a good friend? Over the course of thirty years, I can say that I have had many good friends.

Chip ingram speaking schedule