Wounds From a Friend

Wounds From a Friend
Author: Brandy Gibson, Creative Director
Ten - Part 10 
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This week, I was reminded about the importance of speaking up. Being dishonest or lying is more obviously egregious, but knowing something needs to be said and not speaking up is also a problem.

Pastor Tim spoke about the ninth commandment, which is found in Exodus 20:16, and says, “Do not give false testimony against your neighbor.” As Tim unpacked this commandment on Sunday, he referenced Leviticus 5:1.

If a person sins because he does not speak up when he hears a public charge to testify regarding something he has seen or learned about, he will be held responsible.

This verse talks about being a witness legally. To a lesser degree, we are also called to hold each other accountable in the family of Christ. We are supposed to follow Jesus’ example and speak the truth in love.

I can remember occasions where someone spoke up for me. I wasn’t making wise choices and was headed down a path that would have brought a lot of pain and regret, but I couldn't see it at the time. Choices started small and seemed innocuous, so I justified them, thinking it wasn't a big deal. It became apparent that I wasn't doing what was right. At some point, a friend pulled me aside and told me what they were seeing and that they were concerned. At the time, I was a little shocked, and my first reaction was for them to mind their own business. However, that small act done in love made me reevaluate my actions and realize I was wrong.

Looking back over the years, I'm grateful that I had surrounded myself with people who were willing to do what was difficult and call me out, just as Proverbs 27:6 says, “Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.”

Since then, I've felt what it’s like to be on the other side—knowing I needed to have a difficult conversation and speak the truth in love. It's not easy. It's vulnerable and awkward and may feel like it’s going to strain your relationship, but if you feel the Holy Spirit urging you to speak up, it's the loving thing to do.

– Proverbs 27:17