* He reproved them for what was amiss.
This is one of the things on the list of how Jesus loved. I stumble at it.
Here it is put another way.
A true friend never gets in your way unless you happen to be going down.
Arnold H. Glasow
The fact is, I probably don’t get in people’s way enough. Now, I’m not talking about moaning and complaining here, or being mad at people and telling them how terrible they are. I’m talking about the love that it takes to go to your friend and tell him that what he’s doing isn’t right, and show him why in the Word of God.
For instance, if I know someone is harboring unforgiveness against someone else, love requires…or at least strongly suggests…that I at least try to help him get past the unforgiveness. Why? Because unforgiveness doesn’t damage the person you’re angry with; it damages you–and can do SERIOUS damage to your spiritual walk as well as your relationships with more than the one person.
But I have a problem with this type of “getting in the way:” I hate confrontation. I mean I HATE confrontation. David I am not; for all that I might have felt the same things, I’d not have wanted to confront the giant. I only want to go to people with good words, smiles, and hugs. The thing is…love sometimes requires more. Love often requires more. I’ve learned to receive this type of love – even if I don’t usually appreciate it in the moment – but I have yet to learn to consistently give it in the same way.
So how many times have I failed my friends by not helping them see their own weaknesses so they can work through them? God knows I appreciate it when my friends help me; why am I so weak that I don’t often have the courage to help them in like manner?
Confrontation as a part of love. As a parent, I know it’s true. As a sister in Christ… I’m learning.
Celebrating Jesus!
Tammy C