Ever have someone in your life who pushes back on your new opinion?

Ever have someone who says, “Don’t go that way,” and it just gets under your skin?

Ever have someone close to you give you a sharp rebuke with no apologies, no wavering, no rebuttals?

Ever have someone challenge you to be better, to go deeper, to go farther, than you ever thought you could?

If yes is your answer…

Don’t get mad, offended or hurt.

Don’t resist, ignore or refuse.

Don’t turn away, push away or reject.

If that person is above reproach and has been a faithful friend,

Embrace that person because he or she cares.

She cares enough to tell you where to get off at.

He cares enough to tell you the truth.

They care enough not to leave you on the wrong path or fill you with poisonous flattery.

True love will always be truthful.

For true love cares more about the soul.

Open rebuke is better
Than love carefully concealed.

Faithful are the wounds of a friend,
But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

Provers 27:5-6