April 10
Scripture: Prov 27:5
Source author: Steven Thompson
April 10
Freed by Stern Words An open rebuke is better than hidden love! —Proverbs 27:5
The small group had spent endless hours listening to me retell the story of how I had been abandoned and betrayed by believers and people whom I had once considered close friends. At times I knew this new group of Christians must have been sick of hearing the retold saga, yet they lovingly encouraged me to vent, stating it was a part of the healing process. My venting did subside with time, but it never fully diminished even though I had been with the group for nearly three years. One evening when I began my story again, a lady spoke up. “You need to get over this and move on!” She stunned the group with her blunt words and elevated voice. While others were shocked by what they perceived as a calloused remark, I knew she was right. I saw her open and candid rebuke as a message from God. That verbal kick in the pants freed me from my self-pity and encouraged me to get back on the road to recovery.
Sincere rebuke is medication for a sick soul. — Steven Thompson —