Proverbs 27:5-6 (AMP) Better is an open reprimand [of loving correction]
Than love that is hidden. Faithful are the wounds of a friend [who corrects out of love and concern], But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful [because they serve his hidden agenda].
We all want good relationships with family, friends, neighbours, and colleagues. However, sometimes, we may not recognise some of our weaknesses—the blind spots in our lives. At other times, we might be aware of them but are unwilling to change or are simply in denial. Nonetheless, this often leads to many unpleasant encounters or exchanges with those around us.
Our patterns of behaviour come from several contributing factors. One of the most obvious is how our parents have raised us, based on the values and principles they hold. It also involves how we perceive ourselves. Our personality plays a significant role as well. The experiences in our lives shape our thinking, perception of others, and how we view the world around us. While some of these experiences can bring about good in our lives, it is those negative attitudes and behavioural patterns that are concerning because if they are not addressed, they can become emotional baggage that we carry throughout our lives. Many of these are so deeply embedded in us that we are often unaware of them, but we ought to address those bad habits, incorrect thoughts, and destructive behaviours so that we can experience and enjoy the abundant life.
A reprimand, whether given openly or privately, will not be pleasant for the receiver, as it can hurt and bruise their ego. However, if we know the person reprimanding us well and trust that they have our best interests at heart, we should not be offended by the chastisement but be appreciative and thankful for it instead. It takes spiritual maturity and humility to accept a reprimand. The goal is always for us to change for the better. Nonetheless, it doesn’t mean that we should allow anyone to speak into our lives, but only a trusted friend. The friend mentioned in the opening Scripture is not a casual acquaintance. Rather, the kind of friendship described in the Bible is a deep covenantal relationship characterised by loyalty and unfailing love. Such a friend will always speak the truth about our lives and give us constructive criticism if necessary. It is a trusted relationship because we know that this friend is loving, reliable, and dependable.
Nobody is perfect. Therefore, we should not be defensive when a trusted person speaks into our lives about the blind spots we need to address. We should make necessary adjustments so we can grow spiritually, and as we do so, both we and those around us will be blessed.
Sermon Series: Do You Have A Blind Spot in Your Life
我们需要他人指出我们的盲点
箴言 27:5-6 当面的责备，强如背地的爱情。 朋友加的伤痕出于忠诚，仇敌连连亲嘴却是多余。
我们都渴望与家人、朋友、邻舍和同事建立良好的关系。然而，有时候我们可能没有察觉到自己的一些弱点——也就是我们生命中的盲点。有时，我们或许知道自己的问题，却不愿意改变，甚至选择否认。但这样的态度往往会导致我们与周围的人产生许多不愉快的冲突或摩擦。
我们的行为模式来自多方面的因素。其中一个最明显的来源是父母如何养育我们——他们所持有的价值观和原则深深影响了我们。同时，这也与我们对自我的看法有关。我们的个性特质起着重要作用，而生活中的经历更会塑造我们的思想、对他人的看法，以及我们如何看待这个世界。虽然其中一些经历能在生命中带来益处，但那些负面的态度和行为模式才更值得关注。若这些问题得不到处理，就会成为我们一生所背负的情绪包袱。许多盲点在我们里面已经根深蒂固，以致我们常常察觉不到，但我们应当面对并处理那些错误的思想、坏习惯与破坏性的行为，好让我们能真正经历并享受神所应许的丰盛生命。
责备，无论是当面还是私下，对被责备的人来说都不会舒服，因为这可能会伤到自尊。然而，如果我们认识责备我们的人，并且信任他确实是出于关心与爱，我们就不该因此受伤或被冒犯，反而应当心存感恩与感谢。接受责备需要属灵的成熟与谦卑，因为责备的目的始终是为了让我们变得更好。当然，这并不意味着我们应该让任何人都能随意对我们的生命发言，而是要让值得信任的朋友来提醒我们。经文中所提到的朋友并非一般的泛泛之交，而是一种建立在忠诚与恒久之爱的深厚关系。这类朋友会出于爱心与诚实，对我们的生命说真话，并在必要时提出建设性的指正。这是一种可信赖的关系，因为我们知道这位朋友是充满爱心、值得依靠、令人信任的。
没有人是完美的。因此，当一位值得信任的人指出我们生命中的盲点时，我们不应以防卫的态度回应，而应当谦卑地接受，并作出必要的调整，使我们能够在属灵上成长。随着我们不断成长，我们自己与身边的人都会一同得着祝福。
讲章系列：你生命中有盲点吗？