The term I am thinking about is “tough love.” In a world which is misunderstanding what love is all about, we must return to the Bible to get the real definition of godly love. Love does not allow others to do whatever it is they want to do. Love does not give permission for others to live whatever way they currently feel like living. And love does not say it is ok to think whichever way this world thinks is right. Tough love then would be speaking truth with grace, to those you claim to love. Tough love is seeking what is best for the one you claim to love, here in this world, but more importantly, in the next. Tough love is helping others grow into God’s original design for them, to be more and more like Christ.
To be kind is to exercise tough love. To be nice is to allow others to stay in their current, fallen state. Listen no one likes to be corrected, but it is HOW we correct that makes all the difference. And if that friend receives your insights without starting world war three, then they are truly friends…if not, then they might just be acquaintances. There’s a difference you know?
<>< Peace, Diane
