Side by Side: Walking with Others in Wisdom and Love

by Edward T. Welch

Scripture poses different questions of the heart. They all concern our divine allegiances. Who do you love? (Deut. 6:5; 1 John 2:15); who do you trust? (Jer. 17:5–8); who (or what) do you worship? (2 Kings 17:36); who will you serve? (Matt. 6:24); who do you obey? (1 John 3:10); for whose glory do you live? (Rom. 1:21–23); where is your treasure—is it in the world or in Christ? (Matt. 6:21); to whom do you belong? (John 8:44). To these we can add other questions. What do you crave? What do you feel that you need? Where do you find refuge, comfort, pleasure, or security? Who are your heroes and role models? What defines success or failure for you? When do you say, “If only . . . ?” (e.g., “If only my husband would . . .”) What do you see as your rights? Where in your life have you struggled with bitterness? What or whom do you avoid? Do you feel guilty at times?