The wounds of a friend are trustworthy, but the kisses of an enemy are excessive. —Proverbs 27:6
Sin deceives us. It darkens our understanding and makes us fools. So foolish, in fact, that we can be walking in sin and convinced that God is pleased with us. Therefore, we desperately need friends who are willing to point out our sin. We need friends to help us see our blind spots. We need friends to speak truth in love (Eph. 4:15).
Good friends tell you the truth about yourself. These friends are a grace, but an uncomfortable grace, for sure. Who enjoys being told they’re wrong? No one. But on this earth we will struggle with sin. And if we welcome this uncomfortable grace, it will lead us into abundant life, freedom, and deeper joy in God.
We’d much rather have friends who always tell us what we want to hear and give us false hope that we can grow closer to God without repentance. But because sin is a poison to our soul and a thief of joy, this is a function of community we cannot afford to forsake.
Make it Personal
Who are the people in your life who will tell you the truth, even when it’s hard to hear?