Embrace Grace

Verbally wounding someone is easy. Cutting them down with our words takes little effort on our part.

Being a friend, though, can be difficult. Friendship takes a commitment to honesty and communication. And based on Proverbs, being a friend requires telling the truth—even when it hurts and enables people the opportunity to embrace grace!

Sadly, though, Christians tend to have a reputation for wounding others rather than being a friend. They have the reputation of hurting others with words rather than telling the truth in a way that shows compassion and caring.

If we are going to reach the world for Christ, we need to realize the role that our words play. God wants us to speak the truth in love to everyone, not in a way that wounds the people around us. Because when we show others that we can be trusted, like a friend, we can make an indelible imprint on their lives today and for eternity.

When you are confronted with someone who doesn't understand God's love, talk to them in a way that makes them feel cared for, not criticized. Because the words you choose go a long way toward introducing that person to the truth of Jesus Christ.

"Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses." Proverbs 27:5-6