Sometimes difficult things must be said! It is not pleasant, but it must be done. Sometimes we avoid doing the necessary because of the unpleasant nature of it. Still, we understand that to avoid it is of no help to the one who needs help.
I am so thankful to good brethren who have taught me that when you love someone, and they know you love them, you can say the hard things that must be said, even with tears in your eyes, and the love behind the words overcomes the pain.
The apostle Paul said a lot of hard things to the church in Corinth, but they were things that needed to be said. No one should make the mistake of thinking that he enjoyed it. For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you with many tears; not so that you would be made sorrowful, but that you might know the love which I have especially for you. (2 Corinthians 2:4).
It is a great encouragement to me to know that someone would love me enough to do such a difficult thing for me, and it is equally encouraging to know that when I must do it, my love can be known through those difficult words.
God is good! And He loves you and so do I.
Donnie Bates
