Ouch!

Wounds from a friend can be trusted,

but an enemy multiplies kisses.

Proverbs 27:6

Today the above verse has been flying at me from all directions - unconnected sources - so in such a case - I must conclude that God is trying to tell me something!

A preacher on Youtube, who I have grown to respect & love, shared about how he was taken to task by his wife, but beforehand, the Lord had told him to sit down and listen to what she had to say without trying to be defensive. He said it was very hard not to interrupt and try to protect himself, but, he purposefully bit his tongue and let the list of his misdemeanours unfold from his wife's lips. Although it hurt to hear the things she said, he had to admit that most of the criticism was true. Furthermore it improved their relationship as she felt she'd be heard.

Well, I had my own chastening session this morning when my better half took me to task about a few things. Having already heard about the pastor's experience, I tried to swallow my "medicine" almost without intervening to defend myself.

Was it comfortable? No, but referring to the proverb above, I must trust that the lecture was true and helpful.

It's easy to want to be praised and drift through life thinking we're doing alright. Yet, the person who really has our welfare at heart will confront sometimes in a way that hurts and even wounds. As long as it is said out of a caring, honest heart, healing will follow.

Our Loving Heavenly Father also chastens us:

And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says,

‘My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.’

Hebrews 12:5-6

So, when criticism comes, bite the bullet, take it on the chin and be corrected by it.

The older I get, the more I realise how full of faults and failings I am, but it's not the end of the story, God hasn't finished with me yet - neither has He with you!

May we long more for the wounds of a friend, than the silky buttery words of a flatterer.

We all know about a "Judas kiss", don't we?

Selah!