DAY 3 Daniel Interprets with Kindness and Love

Read Daniel 4:19-27

1. What words describe Daniel’s reaction to the dream?

2. Describe the details of Daniel’s interpretation.

3. How did Daniel speak the truth with love and kindness? How did he give the interpretation? How did he give advice?

4. What is our responsibility to speak God’s truth in the world today? What can we learn from Daniel’s example in this week’s passage? Consider the instructions in the following verses as well: Ephesians 4:15, Colossians 4:5-6, and 1 Peter 3:15-16.

5. Look for any references to time. What are they? Consider the words “until” and “when” in verses 24-27. What is God looking for in Nebuchadnezzar? How is this true for us today?

When asked to interpret Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, Daniel identified the king’s sinfulness and called him to treat his people with righteousness and mercy. God’s Spirit empowered Daniel to do what the pagan sages could not – to speak the truth to King Nebuchadnezzar with kindness and love.

The Faith I Believe

• Webster’s American Dictionary of the English Language defines pride as “in-ordinate self-esteem; an unreasonable conceit of one’s own superiority in talents, beauty, wealth, accomplishments, rank or elevation in office.” The Holman Bible Dictionary goes even further, stating that “pride is rebellion against God because it attributes to self the honor and glory due to God alone.”

Spend time in prayer, asking God to search your heart for hidden pride. In what areas of your life do you demonstrate an “unreasonable conceit of [your] own superiority” – career, family, accomplishments, wealth, etc.? In what ways do you seek to win for yourself the glory and honor that rightfully belong to God? Confess these things to the Lord, trusting that “if we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

Abba Father, oh how You pour Your grace and mercy over me each morning that I wake! From generation to generation throughout scripture, I see your hand upon Your children, Your heart ultimately desiring a deeper, more intimate relationship with each one of us. I know my relationship with You can only grow if I am honest with myself and with You. I ask now that You show me in the quietness of my heart where I have fallen short. Open my eyes to real Truth so that I may renounce my sins and enter into a deeper relationship with You. It is in that repentant pose I will find Your love and forgiveness waiting for me so I may pass on acts of kindness and words of love to others. Thank You for the gift of grace through forgiveness of sins so I may be transformed from within and begin anew. Please gift me the courage to speak Truth in love and may my conversations always be full of the fragrance of Jesus. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen

“Come now, let us reason together,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. Isaiah 1:18 NIV

“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” Colossians 4:6 NIV

On Right Now Media you can access Kay Arthur’s teachings on Daniel: Dare to Be God’s Messenger Sessions 11 & 12 align with this lesson. If you can only listen to one, Session 12 is recommended.