All of us have been hurt at some time in our life. It may have been from something a family member or friend said or done. It could be from a bad report we received. It could have been because a Christian associate or church member said something or did something. It might have been when trust was betrayed.
Jesus knew about this kind of hurt. He was betrayed and denied by friends. (St. John 13:18-22)
Proverbs 18:8 & Proverbs 26:22 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly. Proverbs 27:3-6 3A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fool’s wrath is heavier than them both. 4Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy? 5Open rebuke is better than secret love. 6Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
Verse 6 may be difficult to understand unless you have had some honest, sincere and true friends in your life. Pastor Paul Thompson has said “You never really have but about five true friends in your lifetime.” I am not speaking about one that tries to change you or hurt you, but one who truly loves you for who you are. You never have to defend yourself to a true friend.
True friends are not to be loved chiefly on account of the pleasure they give us, although nothing is more pleasant than a friendship and fellowship of a true friend. Their integrity and faithfulness is their most valuable quality and at times they will speak to us about things that may seem more helpful than pleasant for us to hear. Honesty is difficult to handle. Help comes from a true friend. Will you be someone’s friend today?
