Kissing and Truth Telling

Borrowed post from Jeff Leake. Worth sharing.

I was reading in my devotions this morning and came across this familiar verse in Proverbs 24: An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips.

I was meditating on several ways this is true.

1. Having someone tell you the truth is a GIFT! Living in self-delusion is both a trap and a path toward pain.

2. Hearing the truth is easier and best from those who have earned the right. We don't just let anyone kiss us on the lips. :)

3. If you truly care about someone - you can express it by telling them the complete truth. Another Proverb says- 'better is open rebuke than hidden love.'

4. As you tell them the truth make it much like a kiss and less like a punch in the face.

5. When someone cares enough to speak the truth in love - receive it like a kiss not like a punch in the face.

Maybe you need to kiss someone today?

Challenge

We want to be known for what we are for, not what we are against.

Jesus said, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35) Today , how can you practically be known for Jesus-like love?

Paul wrote, "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes. (Romans 1:16) Today, how can you be a conduit for the power of God to work in people’s lives unto salvation?

So the two things I want to be known for because they are what Jesus was known for... unconditional love and the power of God that leads to salvation.