Faithful Wounds

Proverbs 27:5-6

 “Better is open rebuke

Than hidden love.

Faithful are the wounds of a friend;

Profuse are the kisses of an enemy.”

If we allow one another to get by with the bare minimum or get away with sins that hurt not only us, but themselves also, then how much ‘good’ are we really doing?

If we find ourselves too scared or intimidated to speak truth into their lives, ought we not to step back and re-evaluate our relationship?

If we cannot voice genuine concerns without being misinterpreted and misunderstood, what kind of relationships do we really have?

Can we not trust one another to have and keep our best interest in mind and at heart?

How can we call ourselves followers of God if following God is the last thing on our minds? Or we treat others as if they have to earn our love, respect, and consideration.

When did we replace ‘treat others as you’d like to be treated’ with ‘treat others as you’ve been treated’?

Why do we project on others the shortcomings that we see in ourselves?

Perhaps, we learn to provide momentary offense for long-term relationship.

Because is it truly more loving to love one another secretly, timidly, and sparingly, or to show that love by doing so courageously, genuinely, and faithfully?

Just like almost everything else in life, it is a choice. The choices we make today will reflect in our tomorrow. What will you choose? Courage or fear. True love or its counterfeit. God or yourself.

True love — God’s love — gives. It doesn’t take.

True love — God’s love — stays. It doesn’t forsake.

Jesus bore all our sin, hurt, and shame on the cross — and yet, he stayed. The cost of loving did not deter Him from drawing near to me and you.

C.S. Lewis once wrote, “Love is never wasted. For its value does not rest upon reciprocity.”