February 11, 2008
READ: 2 Samuel 12:1-13
Faithful are the wounds of a friend. Proverbs 27:6
Not everyone appreciates correction, but David did. He felt indebted to those who corrected him and realized how much he owed them. Let the righteous strike me; it shall be a kindness. Let him rebuke me; it shall be as excellent oil; let my head not refuse it (Ps. 141:5).
Correction is a kindness, David insists, a word that suggests an act of loyalty. Loyal friends will correct one another, even when its painful and disruptive to relationships to do so. Its one of the ways we show love and help one another to grow stronger. As Proverbs 27:6 states: Faithful are the wounds of a friend.
It takes grace to give godly correction; it takes greater grace to receive it. Unlike David, who accepted Nathans correction (2 Sam. 12:13), were inclined to refuse it. We resent the interference; we do not want to be found out. But if we accept the reproof, we will find that it does indeed become excellent oil on our heads, an anointing that makes our lives a sweet aroma wherever we go.
Growth in grace sometimes comes through the kind but unpleasant correction of a loyal friend. Do not refuse it, for he who receives correction is prudent (Prov. 15:5) and wise (9:8-9).
Thank you!! This was a good one for me today.
Happy Birthday!