Faithful Wounds
“But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation. But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?” (Galatians 2:11-14)
Today’s Morsel: One of the things about confrontation is it can sometimes be seen as being wounded by others. Some folks dislike confrontation for that very reason. But confrontation is good when it is used to correct, reprove, and guide someone in the right way, or into a better place or position. Paul’s confrontation with Peter probably set Peter on edge. But later in his epistle to the church, Peter states: “And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.” (2 Peter 3:15-16) I don’t think Peter would have written this about Paul if Paul’s confrontation with him had not been for his good. Solomon states: “Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” (Proverbs 27:6) Keep this in mind, that a friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. A true friend doesn’t mind causing you temporary pain to tell you the truth, correct your mistakes, or prevent you from walking down a dangerous path. These types of wounds are acts of love which are meant to help you. So let me encourage you, the next time someone confronts you, and tells you that you’re wrong, don’t see their confrontation as a negative thing, but see it as love in a different suit for your benefit and help.
Sing: He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; Surely, He borne all our sorrows, and by His stripes we are healed.
Thought For Today: One of the best places to receive wounds is in the house of a friend.
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