Wounds of a Friend

Proverbs 27:6
    
    While studying the passion accounts in the Gospels, I was reminded of Proverb 27:6, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but deceitful are the kisses of an enemy.” This verse can have a vast number of applications. In Matthew’s account of the garden of Gethsemane, it was obviously referring to Judas’ betrayal of Jesus and the kiss that led the soldiers and temple guard to arrest the Christ (Matt. 26:49). What application does this have for me today? It can refer to the necessary rebuking of sin to fellow brothers and sisters in Christ (Matt. 18:15-20; 1 Cor. 5:9-13; Jas. 5:19-20). It can also refer to the strain that our earthly relationships can feel when trying to share the gospel with our friends (John 17:25; Matt. 28:19). Are you sharing the “uncomfortable truths” of the Gospel with your earthly friends? You might think, “but I don’t want to hurt them.” Remember, that the wounds suffered from sharing the Gospel (Gal. 4:16) are faithful. If you love them, you will teach them the unpopular biblical doctrines (2 John 9). Have you taught your friends about what it means to obey the Gospel (2 Thess. 1:8; Heb. 5:9)? Have you shared with them the accurate teachings of confession (Matt. 10:32-33)? Have you shared with them the necessity of repentance and baptism for salvation (Acts 2:38; 8:35-38; 1 Peter 3:21)? Will this strain your earthly relationship? Absolutely! However, we must ask ourselves; which is more important? An earthly relationship that will be burned up one day, or a heavenly eternal brotherhood in the Lord’s church? We must always remember where our citizenship remains and to store up treasures accordingly (Phil. 3:20-21; Matt. 6:19-21). I love you all!


In His service,
Steven Hugley