Nick Lowe: "Cruel to be Kind"

This hit from the early eighties demonstrates an important principle. There are times when a person has to give an errant loved one correction. It's no fun but it must be done. Listen to the song here.

To stop somebody from sinning, we must rebuke them with an attitude of love. As Leviticus 19:17 (Bible in Basic English) shows us, "Let there be no hate in your heart for your brother; but you may make a protest to your neighbour, so that he may be stopped from doing evil."

Of course there are folks who refuse to listen even to the kindest of objections. As Proverbs 9:8 (BBE) demonstrates, pompous people won't accept correction. "Do not say sharp words to a man of pride, or he will have hate for you; make them clear to a wise man, and you will be dear to him."

In fact, there are people who will praise you for setting them straight. Proverbs 24:24 and 25 (BBE) reminds us, "He who says to the evil-doer, 'You are upright,' will be cursed by peoples and hated by nations. But those who say sharp words to him will have delight, and a blessing of good will come on them."

Furthermore, Proverbs 27:5 (BBE) explains why we need to rebuke those we love. "Better is open protest than love kept secret."

A day will come when the Lord will correct the world. Isaiah 2:4, (BBE) prophesies, "And he will be the judge between the nations, and the peoples will be ruled by his decisions: and their swords will be turned into plough-blades, and their spears into vine-knives: no longer will the nations be turning their swords against one another, and the knowledge of war will be gone for ever."

If that wonderful day hasn't come by Thursday, I hope to tell you about the dangers of too much of anything.