Proverbs 27:6
Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy.
Share a time when a friend may have wounded you by speaking hard words to you, and even though you were hurt you realized it was the best and most loving thing he/she could have done. (If you can share the specifics that would be great, but if not feel free to use generalities).
Wow, I had one example come immediately to my mind. I have many dear heart-friends who would speak hard truths to me. None of my true friends tickle my ears. But back in 2003 I was in a VERY UNHEALTHY relationship with someone who approached me as a “friend” — though this person was far from it.
My dear friend called my attention to what was happening. She was direct and firm. I didn’t like it at the moment. It stung and I started to cry. I was angry, embarrassed, but I knew she was right. I knew she was a true friend to give me a wake-up call. We are still great friends to this day.
On another note, I have said some hard things too. It has always worked out well with the exception of one friend. I had been through a lot with someone I considered my best friend (outside of my marriage). This friend had started getting into some crazy spiritual stuff and started walking in a lot of spiritual pride. I told her how I felt about the way she was acting and it completely ended our relationship. I never understood how she was able to be direct with me, but couldn’t take it herself. I have grieved over the loss of this friend for many years. I still love her and send her birthday wishes (never hearing back from her) and Christmas cards. I pray that God will open her eyes to my heart on this side of heaven. I miss her so much! I haven’t seen her since my daughter was a baby.
True friends are such a treasure. I am so blessed to have many heart-friends. I don’t know how I would have made it over the years without my Sisters in Christ!
I pray YOU have accountability partners too.
Wow, this post reminded me of a post that I wrote recently
Keeping Each Other Accountable
And I even used the same picture! We have fabulous taste 🙂
I am not surprised you managed to swallow your hurt and grow as a Godly lady, I only wish my friend did the same 🙁
This was an awesome humble post, thanks for sharing!
Accountability is good and good friends are a blessing!
I will tell her some things, just passing on all the things you helped me to do!
Oh you would not believe how I needed to read this today….in fact, my bestest friend and I were in this situation last night (where she wanted to tell me certain things that I might not want to hear……but it was out of her love for me)
now she is on her way over for coffee and lots of hugs/encouragement.
xox
*~Michelle~*
I wrote on another’s blog today that I think it is harder to be the one to share the truth at times than receive it… Thanks for sharing today 🙂
I pray that friends heart would soften to the LORD and reconciliation would come between the two of you.
Beth,
This is a great word – one we all need.
True friends keep us on the right track and open our eyes to those unsightly logs that appear out of nowhere in our eyeballs! 😀
blessings!
dorinda
There will be times when we lose friends, and that can be heartbreaking! But, sometimes we will realize that we are better off with the true friends we’ve got now. I’ve lost a handful when I turned my life towards God, but I’ve gained sisters in Christ 🙂
True friends are always true friends, no matter what they say that may have hurt us. I have some friends did this to me, too. But it made our friendship more stronger.
Oh, I miss her. 🙂
Have a great weekend, Beth.
Do you know who keeps me straight Beth? Brad Evers! He was pretty hard on me when I first went to work for him about my immaturity, and whenever I said anything he would make me go find it in the Bible! I have grown and learned a lot from him. I am very thankful!! Even if I have a love/hate relationship with him!! 🙂 Love Ya! Pam
Friends are gifts from Gods heart.
Sisters in Christ Rock!!!…lol
I love all my blogging sisters and appreciate their prayers and truly I am thankful for each of them. Because of their prayers my dad is going to church this morning, leaving the nursing home and is able to attend church Praise God….all because my friends helped me pray, you are one of those dear friends Beth.
Thanks for sharing your story. These are not easy things. I know it is important to have an accountability partner and I do not like to have my ears tickled, but those kind of friends who truly have your best interest come few and far between. I am reminded today to treasure those who are brave and love me enough to tell me the truth.
I love that i have been so blessed in my life to have 2 long time friends who never fail to tell me when i am off the reservation and never fail to help me walk back on the reservation i have wandered off of.
What a great prompt!
I love it when friends can be so honest with each other. That is true friendship…when you don’t have to worry about offending them, but speaking the truth in love.
On this note Beth. I just want to let you know what a blessed friend you are to me and my whole family. I praise God for the years we have had together and look forward to every new day. I also have enjoyed growing through our friendship (you truly have been an inspiration to me)…I have always been able to rely on you being genuine, honest, loving and strong…blessings, D
Beth:
Thank you for always shining brightly for Jesus. Please stop by; I have an award for you.
Love,
Mary
Thank you for sharing this, Beth! I’ve personally asked good friends to tell me the truth before about a situation and thankfully they have. 😀
I’m so sorry about this friend that hasnt spoken to you. I pray that God will speak to her heart and she can see how much she has hurt you.
Thanks for sharing such a personal moment, Beth. I think it was helpful to many.