Genuine Love Places Others Before Ourselves Despite Our Emotions – (Proverbs 27:5-6)

Daily Bible Study
These verses at their heart are speaking of genuine love for others and concern for their well being. But we have to understand that they don't speak about constant open criticism hidden inside of false claims of honesty. And they are not speaking about a hardened heart, which searches for a reason to criticize others. Unfortunately, because pride feeds our flesh, many people claim they are being honest by using criticism. When in truth they are feeding their own egos by constantly criticizing others. They then hide their hatred for others by telling those they criticize that, "they just want to be honest." That type of behavior is selfishness, hatred and pride disguised has honesty. And that is not what these proverbs are speaking about.

Moreover, that type of criticism is spoken against in God's word, the Bible! We are to show love and kindness, looking out for the well being of others above and before our own personal interest. And that is what these verses speak about. They refer to criticism given in love out of genuine concern, which is meant to build up and not tear down. Criticism which stems from an attitude of genuine love. A love which is willing to manifest the truth when it is unpopular, and even if it means open rebuke against ourselves. A love that is willing to go against the flow of public opinion because it cares more for the individual than for ourselves. In addition, this also means to love others enough, that we listen to the rebuke and search our hearts to see if there is just cause for it. Which is then followed by asking the Lord for His guidance to change and grow in Christ.