Faithful are a friend's wounds, but an enemy's kisses are deceitful. Proverbs 27:6
Correction Leads To Protection
We will have many opportunities to bring a corrective word to the people we serve.
May we constantly remember that just as the Holy Spirit convicts and corrects us to bring us back into the safety of our relationship with the Father, He can use us to correct fellow believers similarly.
The purpose is always love.
The kindness of the Father leads to repentance, which leads us back into His arms of love.
We are allowed to do this for others.
Note I didn't say "to" others.
If I saw my 5-year-old child playing with knives in a busy street, I would not call out to them and say, "Express yourself!" Or "Be careful, my love."
No, I would bring them correction that leads to their protection.
It would be life-preserving and life-giving.
May we keep ourselves abiding in Him.
Only in Him will we both know what to do and have the wisdom to complete it in love.
Father, thank You for loving us. Thank You for the many expressions of Your love to us through correction, embracing, whispers, and wooing. You are amazing! Amen