sokin's devotional 41 - rebuking as a way to love

"Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses."


Proverbs 27:5,6


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Having friends is one thing, but gaining true friends that will call you out when necessary are valuable beyond words.

Sometimes, hearing harsh rebuke from a friend (enough to wound) is a better act of love than to have them just let your sin "slide".

When a friend, or yourself, is falling into deep sin - what good would it be for us to stand by watching idly and letting them continue in it as a way to keep the peace between you? You may be appeasing them, but you are in fact an enemy to them.

If a friend is about to hit by a car, what would stop us from tackling them out of the way? Sure, they may gain some scratches and wounds from the fall, but far better it be for that to happen than to be killed in an instant.

An act of love you may need, or a friend may need, may be that open rebuke.

Pray for a friend that can do that for you. Be a friend that does that for someone else.

Their life may depend on it.