Proverbs 27-28

One of the tests of real friendship is the courage to rebuke when your friend needs it.  We are all fallible, and the LORD sometimes calls on us to point out the rough spots in the lives of those closest to us.  If we have built a relationship that ensures our friends of our faithfulness both to the LORD and to them, they will understand where our criticism comes from.  But we have to risk it, even if they do not understand.

LORD, give us the love for our friends to sharpen them when they need it.  Also, give us the wisdom to accept sharpening when our friends need to rebuke us.