FAITHFUL WOUNDS!

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

FAITHFUL WOUNDS!

Prov 27:5-6

5 Open rebuke is better than secret love.

6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

           Someone has said that “ the genuine open-hearted friend is he who tells you your faults freely, but conceals them from all others.” His intention is to point out those things that slow you down and trip you up. Your relationship of mutual love and respect has given him this freedom and, though the words may sting, the intention is beneficial.

           In the life of Jesus, two of his friends come to mind as examples of this truth. Peter rebuked the Lord openly, and probably loudly, when Jesus foretold his death by crucifixion. The hurt and angry shout of “be it far from thee” was a strong rebuke.

Matt 16:21-22

21 From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.

22 Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.

           The next, of course, is the kiss of Judas in the garden. With money in his bag and malice in his heart, he led the captors to Jesus and identified him with a kiss on the cheek. (See Matthew 26:49)

Dear Lord, let me receive faithful rebuke from true friends. Help me to instantly understand them. Let me also be a faithful friend to others. Let me rebuke with kindness whenever it is necessary.