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“Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of
an enemy are deceitful.”
Proverbs 27:6

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" The Emperor's New Clothes " is a short tale by about two weavers who promise an Emperor a new suit of clothes that is invisible. When the Emperor parades before his subjects in his new clothes, a child cries out, "But he isn't wearing anything at all!" Read
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[Years ago I cut my ex-husband's hair. He was in a hurry. I forgot to put the guard on the clippers and before I knew it, a big gap was removed. It was in the back of his head and I tried to even it out, but I did not do a good job. I panicked and could not bring myself to tell him, “Honey you have a big gap in your head.” LOL! He was going offshore so I figured it didn't matter. He would be away for a while and it would grow back. But when he returned he asked, "Why didn't you tell me I had a big gap in my head? Man, I got ribbed the whole time I was out there." Then it hit me, I only thought of myself. I just pretended like it was not there since he could not see it. But just like that young child in,"The Emperor's New Clothes", the man shouted, "Man, do you know you have a big gap in your head?!" (Smile)]
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In the tale of the Emperor's New Clothes the ministers allowed the Emperor to walk around knowing he did not have any clothes on. They thought only of themselves. They were afraid of losing their positions so they pretended and allowed their boss to be made a fool of. The townspeople watched too, I could hear them saying, "Oh Emperor that looks real good on you. I wish I had one like that." I can see them trying to keep from laughing. Proverbs 29:5

When we are not truthful with others concerning things that will harm them, then we, like the ministers/townsfolk become Satan's instruments to be used in his Plot: to steal, kill, and destroy, ridicule, embarass, and shame those “we say” we care about. We become the tools used to allow those “we say” we care about to be hurt or remain in a place of harm longer than they have to. The Swindler (Satan) will tell us, “You better not say anything; you know he/she will get mad and kick you out.” “Let them make a fool of themselves they will learn.” “Just mind your own business and don't say anything.” “Let somebody else tell them.” Hmm.... Genesis 4:9

Can you imagine watching your friend or child running across a bridge and up ahead part of the bridge is missing and you simply say to yourself, “If I say something he/she will get mad.” “Let me just mind my own business.” “Let somebody else tell him/her that they are about to die or get seriously injured?”

The book of Wisdom (God's way of doing things) says, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” Proverbs 27:6 A child of the God (a sincere friend) possesses their Father's character. Our Father says He disciplines those He loves and the child He embraces, He corrects. Hebrews 12:6 He says, “No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it's painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.”(NLT) Hebrews 12:11 We, like HIM, should take our thoughts off ourselves Philippians 2:4-5, and take the beat down, if necessary, like our Lord, Isaiah 53:5 so that someone might be saved. While everyone pretended they could not see, even the Emperor himself, the young child shouted out the truth. It may have hurt but I know he won't wear that suit again. (Smile) Proverbs 27:5 Just“...know that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.” James 5:20

When we see someone headed for destruction, as our Father's children, possessing our Father's character, we should:

1. Pray – Our prayers will give life to that someone. 1 John 5:16
2. Be Longsuffering - Remain patient. 2 Peter 3:9
3. Restore – Bring them back gently. Galatians 6:1
4. Instruct – Share the Word not your opinion so that they may recover from Satan's snare. 2 Timothy 2:24-26
5. Rejoice – Join in with the Angels for Satan thought he had one! Luke 15:10

God says, “_______________ (insert your name), the truth will hurt but the rewards in the end (which will bring life) is far better than your flattering tongue (which will bring death). Hebrews 12:11
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[The man offshore became the child and told my ex-husband about the gap. As the others made fun of him, he took out his clippers, shaved his head, removed the gap, and kept him from suffering further ridicule. I on the other hand, like the ministers/townsfolk, allowed my fears of telling him (the one I said I cared about) that I messed up which ended up causing him much ridicule. Telling a person the truth no matter the cost will keep them from suffering much grief. “In the end, people appreciate honest criticism far more than flattery.” (NLT) Proverbs 28:23]

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