Introductory Thoughts
Far too many of today's pundits sanction giving others whatever they want in an attempt to display true love. Parents have become increasingly trapped in this dilemma being convinced that they fail their children unless they give them every new gadget. The husbands thought to love the most are the ones who shower their wives with the most, the best, and do so frequently. The average person may find these scenarios reasonable, but they remain completely contrary to the word of God. In fact, the Bible expresses just the opposite. Today's passage reveals that a righteous man could actually smite someone with his words in kindness. A righteous man will always offer a rebuke (or correction) to those heading in the wrong direction. The intention of such a rebuke is to set the person back on the right track; true biblical kindness at work. Proverbs extols the virtues of those wounds gained when offered in the spirit of kindness and friendship (Proverbs 27:6). Kindness is never demonstrated by simply telling others what they want to hear but often confirmed through open rebuke (Proverbs 27:5).
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): Do you like to be sick? Ask Mom why she doesn't let you eat all the cookies and candy that you want. Do you like to get hurt? Ask Dad why he doesn't let you help with certain power tools. They say "no" because they love you.
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(For everyone): Do you have people in your life who love you enough to let you know when you are wrong? Do you listen, or do you try to ignore them and push them away?
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Do you enjoy being corrected by others? Do you understand the blessings found in being rebuked by those who love and care for you? Have you ever considered that a rebuke offered in love is a manifestation of kindness?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask the Lord to give you people who care enough to tell you the truth when you are wrong.
- Ask God to give you a receptive heart towards righteous rebukes.
Song
AFFLICTIONS DO NOT COME ALONE
