Does The Truth Hurt?

Ecclesiastes 4:10 says the following, “If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up.” Ouch! This is a tough verse to swallow. What is God trying to teach us here? One answer is very clear! We need a friend or friends where we can be accountable to when we fail along our lives. We need someone who will pick us up when we “fall”. That friend or friends , also need someone to whom they are accountable to. Support and encouragement, even a rapping over the fingers, is necessary every now and then. These are important in a true friendship.

On their own, these have no meaning or power. They become useless. Even God has called us to fellowship with other believers. This means that you as men need other men to fellowship with. Someone who can help you on your journey, and they may need you as well. In Galatians 6:1-2, it tells us that we need other brothers who help us when we land up in a problem, maybe sin that has raised its head again. But it says further that we should “restore him gently.” Yes, we may need to use tough measures but we still need to show him our heavenly love as God loves us. Be aware that you do not be pulled into his predicament and start falling with him – this spells disaster for both now.

We must “carry each other’s burdens.” That is what God expects from each of us at all times. Help one another if any of you fall, but do it in a God given love as He loves you. Are you in fellowship with another brother, or brothers? Do you know everything about each other, given each other your life stories. Then it’s time to be brave and seek out someone with who you can kindle a great relationship and grow each other in prayer and support. Many men don’t do this. They just don’t see the necessity for having such a friendship. I tell you today, it’s crucial, even one of the most important parts of our lives, being sons of the loving and living God. We need to challenge each other, maybe rescue each other in a time of need, especially after failing with something in your life, something which is not pleasing to God.

At times it may hurt! But it is necessary. True friendship may require that we dive into the problem … even if it may embarrass your friend, or yourself for that matter. Tough measures may be needed in certain situations which need serious attention. Be that friend today. These measures could save him from destruction, spiritual destruction which could lead him away from God’s presence. Tough conversations could take place, still doing it in a love as a true brother loves another. God is true love as well, nothing else but true love. Are you in such a relationship with another brother right now? Are you being accountable for your life’s actions before another? Many men refuse to have such a friendship. They don’t see the necessity for such a friendship, but it is crucial to have one … it may lead to new saving grace that is bestowed by God upon those who take responsibility for their actions. Then maybe it’s time to find someone where such a friendship can grow and mature, where you are ready to become accountable and also be ready to help each other. Are you ready? The truth may hurt…