The wounds of a friend...are still wounds

Business: something with which a person is rightfully concerned (Random House)

For many years I lived my life according to the "It's none of your business" model. I don't know if it is because I grew up as a pastor's kid and by the time I was 18 had had enough observations/suggestions/critics to last 3 lifetimes, or if it is because I am simply a human being. But I certainly felt VERY strongly about the matter.

Over time and through God's grace I am learning to not bristle at the opinions of others but to allow them to improve me. Allow them to give me practice at knowing who I am, practice at hearing God on the subject of my identity. I am learning to see the body of Christ as self correcting. It is truely wonderful when we refuse to be offended and instead take the issues we have with one another to God and in love interact in grace and kindness.

I really do not enjoy confrontation. But God loves it. He loves it because He loves us too much to allow our pride to destroy our lives. Sometimes the things that have bothered me most have been very trivial issues which I viewed more as personal preferances. Ex.. clothes, hair, vocabulary, style of music etc... But the Word of God says for us to prefer one another before ourselves...eek!

In the family of God we share our "business." Especially if we say we want accountability and support. I am not suggesting that there should be a free-for-all information swap, but that when a brother or sister aproaches us with a concern we should weigh it with respect and take it before the Lord in the pursuit of truth.

In Proverbs 27:6 it says that the wounds of a friend are faithful but the kisses of an enemy are decietful. However, lately it seems we interpret it as "the wounds of a friend are spiteful, and I prefer to be kissed, even if it is by the lips of Satan himself."

Here it is -- Don't get offended. Don't do it! Even if the person is way off the reservation...respond in love. Your good response will be a blessing to you, and a crown on your head.

"Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend." Proverbs 27:17