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- Apr 25, 2006
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Tough Love
'AN HONEST ANSWER IS A SIGN OF TRUE FRIENDSHIP.' PROVERBS 24:26
It's tempting to keep quiet when your mates are messing up, you don't want to sound like a grumpy old man - but keeping shtum isn't the loving thing to do. Most people have no one in their lives who loves them enough to tell them the truth, so they continue going the wrong way making bigger and bigger mistakes.
Usually we know what needs to be said but fear keeps us from saying it. If you ever find yourself in that situation remember this proverb: 'An honest answer is the sign of true friendship.'
Sometimes caring means confronting,or as they say, dishing out some 'tough love'. Are you willing to be that sort of friend? It's the only sort of friend worth having. Paul writes, 'If someone in your group does something wrong, you who are spiritual should go to that person and gently make him right again' (Galatians 6:1 NCV). That's what 'spiritual' people do!
The trouble is when an issue pops up that might cause tension it's immediately glossed over in order to preserve the peace. Mr.'Don't-rock-the-boat' jumps in and tries to smooth everyone's ruffled feathers, the issue is never resolved and everyone lives with a feeling of frustration. 'No more pretence. Tell the truth. In Christ's body we're all connected to each other...When you lie to others, you end up lying to yourself' (Ephesians 4:25 TM).
Now truth without love can really sting, thoughtless words hurt people but the bottom line is: whether in a friendship, a family or even a church, until we care enough to confront and resolve the real issues, we'll never grow close to each other!
written by Bob Gass
'AN HONEST ANSWER IS A SIGN OF TRUE FRIENDSHIP.' PROVERBS 24:26
It's tempting to keep quiet when your mates are messing up, you don't want to sound like a grumpy old man - but keeping shtum isn't the loving thing to do. Most people have no one in their lives who loves them enough to tell them the truth, so they continue going the wrong way making bigger and bigger mistakes.
Usually we know what needs to be said but fear keeps us from saying it. If you ever find yourself in that situation remember this proverb: 'An honest answer is the sign of true friendship.'
Sometimes caring means confronting,or as they say, dishing out some 'tough love'. Are you willing to be that sort of friend? It's the only sort of friend worth having. Paul writes, 'If someone in your group does something wrong, you who are spiritual should go to that person and gently make him right again' (Galatians 6:1 NCV). That's what 'spiritual' people do!
The trouble is when an issue pops up that might cause tension it's immediately glossed over in order to preserve the peace. Mr.'Don't-rock-the-boat' jumps in and tries to smooth everyone's ruffled feathers, the issue is never resolved and everyone lives with a feeling of frustration. 'No more pretence. Tell the truth. In Christ's body we're all connected to each other...When you lie to others, you end up lying to yourself' (Ephesians 4:25 TM).
Now truth without love can really sting, thoughtless words hurt people but the bottom line is: whether in a friendship, a family or even a church, until we care enough to confront and resolve the real issues, we'll never grow close to each other!
written by Bob Gass
