The Kingdom of God is the key to understanding an apparent paradox
Verse
An open rebuke is better than hidden love! Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy.
Proverbs 27:5-6 NLT
Summary
The most sincere friend we will ever have, is the Lord Jesus – but at the same time, His friendship is of the totally honest kind. Similarly, others that share that same saving relationship with Jesus will be able to relate to us both truthfully and lovingly.
Prayer
Lord, speak into my life and reveal Your kingdom purpose and order to me
as I seek to serve You.
Of course You will need to pull me up,
redirect me and at times confront my proudly-held opinions
but if You are to be my Lord, I will experience Your love in it.
Enable me to be an honest encourager of others,
never seeking to raise my standing by criticism of others,
always aware of Your grace towards me and seeking to pass it on.
In Jesus name, Amen
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Link
For a reflection exploring this verse, go over to this page on www.believethegoodnews.com
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