Finding More Favor

We all want people to like us. It is very hard to have people reject us and to get angry with us, especially when we are just trying to help them. However, often we have a dilemma . We have to decide whether to rebuke another person or to make everything seem alright. We know if we rebuke them for sin, they might get upset. However, if we don't tell them the truth, that would be a sin for us. The right thing to do is to rebuke them in a loving way. Often, that person will end up respecting us more and giving us favor with them than if we had flattered them. (Proverbs 28:23) Let me explain.

We all know when we are wrong. The Holy Spirit convicts us of sin, righteousness, and judgment. (John 16:8-11) Therefore, if someone does not correct us, but flatters us by making it seem like we are OK, we do not really respect that person. However, a loving rebuke from a person who cares causes us to appreciate the tough love of the other person. Eventually, they find favor in our eyes, even if it hurts at first. That is why we should obey God when He tells us we need to rebuke another person. We should not disobey out of fear, but we should trust God to give us favor in their eyes, even if it takes a while.

Tomorrow, I intend to read Proverbs 29-31.

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