Truth That Was Skewed

Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but deceitful are the kisses of an enemy. Proverbs 27:6 (New American Standard Bible)

Wounds go deep. A physical wound may require anything from a bandage to stitches to major reconstructive surgery. An emotional wound is often harder to detect and more difficult to remedy. The first time I ever read this verse I equated it to simply being told the truth by a friend even if the truth hurt. It was a concept that made me squirm. Why? I didn’t like being hurt, even if it was for my good and even if it was necessary. Why? Because I developed a spirit of suspicion toward others at a young age.

Discipline, correction, and punishment in our home was often given out in anger, impatience, irritation, and harshness. Afterwards there was not a time for reassurance of love or welcoming back into good graces. I simply waited until things seemed to be back to “normal” and life went on. Hence, when my actions evoked the displeasure of my parents, the message I took in was that I was unlikeable, burdensome, disgusting, and unloved. There was not an opportunity to develop a healthy attitude when it came to being corrected, even by well meaning people. I didn’t realize until years later that my view of being corrected and my view of the one doing the correcting was skewed. What God had intended to be a picture of His heart for sin, correction, and reconciliation, had quickly been distorted by the father of lies, Satan.

This distortion did not begin or end with my parents. It was the experience they were raised with and it became my own experience when it came to my correcting others. The day I saw my parents in me was a jolt beyond words. But God is assuring me the cycle can be broken. He is not only capable of helping me to see the right view of friend-induced wounds but the right way to be that kind of friend to others. It comes as I admit my own bankruptcy in this area and my own weaknesses. It entails discovering the root of my attitude about myself and others. It demands confession of my wrongs, exchanging many lies for truth, and a desire to see life from God’s perspective. He has given me countless individuals in the Bible who did it right and many who did it wrong. As I read their examples, may they become my personal tutors in the school of life.

Father, I have experienced changes in some areas and have a long way to go in others. Your unchanging love for me helps me to continue this process of growth. Amen.

Make It Real - Mark Lowry
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-B3IeE9K58

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.