CUT ME SOME SLACK, EH!

 JULY 26, 2022

Proverbs 17:9

9 Whoever would foster love covers over an offense,
but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.


Yesterday we looked at the characteristic of a friend not being shy about confronting us through uncomfortable conversations. Today, I just wanted to add to that teaching from Proverbs 17:9 above.

Our text above basically says A Friend Cuts Slack. Sometimes we can take confrontation too far. Am I right? Sometimes we use the closeness with someone as a justification to vent our own frustration and we can criticize another mercilessly. Sometimes what we have to learn is to stop confronting someone about every last little thing they do. I had a University Professor who would often remind us to be aware and “choose our battles carefully.” Friends cut each other slack.

Proverbs 17:9 says, “Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.” This proverb doesn’t mean that friends help friends cover up crimes, nor does it mean that we should overlook repeated destructive behavior. This proverb is a reminder to give people room to grow. When we mess up, we don’t need someone else complaining about us to other people, or airing our so called “dirty laundry” to other people. This proverb encourages us to pursue reconciliation and love even in the midst of conflict. A friend can overlook an offense. A friend can confront you without talking bad about you to others. A friend seeks love.

Let’s foster love, above all.