Hear it like it is

Based on Proverbs 27-29, 2 Corinthians 10

"Faithful are the wounds of a friend; But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful." Proverbs 27:6

Do we need counterfeit comfort when we are going through a struggle, or constructive criticism? I heard the term "counterfeit comfort" in a song recently, and it was really brought back to me while reading this verse. Sure, it's nice to hear a soothing word, but it's sometimes what we want, not what we need. True comfort comes when we endure brief the discomfort of a hard Truth & we come out stronger because of it! It may not feel good to hear what we need, but it will be 10 times better than just hearing what we want!

"Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: So doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel." Proverbs 27:9

We need the hearty stuff! We can't have just the broth! We need the whole Truth & nothing but the Truth, so help us God! We need what's going to fix us, not just tend to our feelings. We need to be brave enough to hear it like it is!

"He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, Even his prayer shall be abomination." Proverbs 28:9

When we turn a deaf ear to God's Word of Truth, our prayers are deafened in His ears! Of course God is loving & merciful, but we can't have the living God without living according to the living Word!

"casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;" 2 Corinthians 10:5

Let's release ourselves of the imaginations we put in place to replace the Truth in our lives. Let's not shy away from hearing it like it is, and humbly changing who we are for the better!