Proverbs 27:5-6 (ESV)

Better is open rebuke

than hidden love.

Faithful are the wounds of a friend;

profuse are the kisses of an enemy.

We usually don’t enjoy correcting our friends and loved ones. At times, it can seem easier to let their wrong behavior go unaddressed to avoid conflict and strife. But real love considers the well being of others and so is willing to risk the awkwardness associated with bringing truth. It is better to honestly rebuke sinful practices than cower behind the desire to be liked.The truth can feel painful, even like wounds, but a real friend is willing to create discomfort in a relationship if it means the other party might embrace godly thinking and behavior. The one who only tells us what we want to hear is as destructive to our soul as an enemy. If we are really going to love our neighbor the same way we love ourselves, we must be honest. Regardless of the outcome, we must be ready and willing to humbly dispense truth to others.

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