Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
Not everyone appreciates correction. It’s even more painful when it comes from someone you least expect, your friend, who is supposed to be on your side. Let’s see what David thinks of correction from a friend. He felt indebted to those who corrected him and realized how much he owed them. He described his appreciation in Psalm 141:5, Let a righteous man strike me—it is a kindness; let him rebuke me—it is oil on my head. My head will not refuse it…
Correction is a kindness from the person who gives it and suggests an act of loyalty, because loyal friends correct one another. Correction can be painful and disruptive to a relationship but it is a show of love and desire to help one another grow stronger. Proverbs 27:6 says, faithful are the wounds of a friend…
It takes grace to give godly correction; it takes an even greater grace to receive it. A true friend will not overlook or conceal the wrong doings of another friend. A true friend will gently but honestly give correction for the good of the other person. Accepting the correction of a friend turns out to be excellent oil on the head, for it will make you a better person. Such objective correction will not be heard from friends who don’t have your interest at heart. Receive the genuine correction of a friend as a show of love and give heartfelt correction to those who err.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for your word of wisdom. Please give me the maturity of heart to know that my friends love me when they correct me. Help me to see the truth in their correction and grow into a better person. Grant me the courage to support my friends with honest feedback when they err. Dear Lord, help us all to be like you in Jesus name.
One-Year Daily Bible Reading Plan - Sep. 29 2010 - Jonah 2-4 (OT), James 3-5 (NT).
