RESOURCES — SHORT ARTICLES

 

SHORT ARTICLES BY TOM ELSEROAD
	2021-02-18	Faithful Are the Wounds of a Friend (Pr.27:6)
		Pro 27:5  Open rebuke is better Than love carefully concealed. Pro 27:6  Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. Solomon understood that affectionate love expressed in a stern manner promotes responsible behavior. Open rebuke confronts someone's misbehavior frankly and truthfully. Some may perceive your words as harsh or wounding the recipient. But the intent is to promote the person's well-being, so as to change his behavior. The real motivation is love. So the “wounds” of a friend are intended to help. The idea is that a genuine friend will not hold back the truth. He will be honest, and say what needs to be said, even if it “hurts”. The wounds of a friend are faithful because the friend's candid speech is based on a relationship that is loyal. We can rely on a friend who cares enough not to hide his true feelings. So you can trust a friend who corrects you, because you probably need it. The apostle Paul said something very similar in Ephesians 4:15 where he said, “speaking the truth in love”. If we live in fear of offending a brother or sister then we do not love them as Christ loves us. Jesus, when speaking to the church of Laodicea said, “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten” (Re.3:19). David knew the wounds of a friend are faithful and he welcomed it (Ps.141:5). Psa 141:5  Let the righteous strike me; It shall be a kindness. And let him rebuke me; It shall be as excellent oil; Let my head not refuse it …”. A faithful friend dares to correct what is wrong. A wise person is courageous enough to receive the correction (Pr.9:8). Pro 9:8  Do not correct a scoffer, lest he hate you; Rebuke a wise man, and he will love you. The Bible teaches us to administer correction wisely and always motivated by love (2Co.10:1). 2Co 10:1  Now I, Paul, myself am pleading with you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—who in presence am lowly among you, but being absent am bold toward you. So rebuke can be bold and firm and still accompanied with gentleness (1Th.2:7). Again Paul had to correct many believers who were caught up in sin (Ga.6:1) Gal 6:1  Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. The wounds of a friend are faithful when they are delivered earnestly in love. To humbly receive such a painful rebuke is an honor and a blessing. By helping turn a friend back onto the right path, these “wounds” become a healing balm like medicine to a sick soul. Pastor Tom Elseroad

 

An Evangelical Free Church of America

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