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“Wounds from a Friend Can Be Trusted”

Thoughts for Today:

As we interact with other people, it is so much more comfortable for us to ignore difficult or troubling issues. Yet, Proverbs 27:5 tells us: "Better is open rebuke than hidden love." Love says, "I care about your well-being more than I am concerned with what you think about me. If what I say causes you to think through what you're doing, perhaps bringing about repentance and a change of direction, then that's more important to me than whether or not you think I'm a nice person." Proverbs 27:6 continues this thought: "Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses."

Therefore, we have both the right and responsibility to offer words of caution, encouragement and correction to our friends, some of which might lead to a "wounding". However, if we are not willing to walk with people through their difficulty, stand by them in times of trouble, and kneel with them in prayer, then it would be far wiser of us to remain silent.

There were people in Corinth who probably said to Paul, "If you care so much about us, then why have you been so tough on us?" Paul answers their question in our passage today (which concludes his letter to the Corinthians): "Because I love you so much!" Some would respond in humility and with repentance. Others would question his right to rebuke them. All of which would prompt Paul to write a second Epistle -- the most personal of any he would write.

Questions to Ponder:

How do you express your concern regarding the well-being of your family and friends? Is someone on the wrong path? Have you spoken to them about it? Ask the Lord for His wisdom, and strength. Let the Spirit of God lead your actions as you speak to them in love!

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About the author

Pocket Devotions are written by Mike Brooks. A retired businessman, he is Moderator of South Shores church, leads the Deacon Board, serves on the finance committee, and he teaches a Men's Bible study and the Men's Ministry. Mike has a passion for evangelical missions. He is the husband of Sherry; the father of Ryan, Natalie, Krissy, Rebecca, and Amanda; the father-in-law of Ariel; and the grandfather of Conner and Christian.