“Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend,” Proverbs 27:5-6 ESV. Friendships bring pleasantness to one’s life in many ways, but the greatest treasure is the earnest counsel that comes from a true comrade. The honest advice of a trusted friend lifts and blesses the soul. Earthly love always comes laden with human imperfections, yet when authentically offered, it has flashes of God’s amazing and perfect love. I’ve not always welcomed loving advice at the moment, but I can honestly say I am deeply indebted to those who love me enough to confront my blunders and wrongdoings. Heavenly Father, thank You for my friends. Each one reveals a facet of Your Glory. I especially thank You for those treasured friends who love so deeply that they will risk offering wise and unvarnished counsel. Help me be that kind of friend to others.
A serious pursuit of godliness requires an equally serious renunciation of worldliness. Too often, we measure spirituality with false scales. While being wisely selective with our public vices we are less so with our private attitudes and perspectives. In reality, it is the thoughts and intents of the heart where the greatest battles must be waged; our actions will ultimately align with the condition of our hearts. Lord God, You know me inside out, You are not fooled by human facades. Plow my heart with Your Word and Spirit and leave nothing unturned. Refresh my inward man that I may outwardly glorify You in all places at all times.
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