Our Scripture reading today is Jeremiah 8:11, "For they have healed the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace."
Instead of challenging the people with the way they were living, the prophets in Jeremiah's day were giving a false hope of peace. Their lifestyle was one of turning from worshipping the One true God to worshipping false gods. It was getting so bad that in verse 12 we read they were no longer ashamed for the way they were living - "neither could they blush".
The need the people had was to hear the truth spoken in love. Ephesians 4:15, "But speaking the truth in love..." If we truly love someone, we will tell them when they are going astray. Proverbs 27:6, "Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful." At times, we need "tough love" given to us and we need to give "tough love". If we allow someone we know is drifting from the Lord to continue down that path without confronting them, it shows a lack of true love on our part.
Is there someone in your circle of influence you need to prayerful speak to very soon?
If someone comes to you about the way you are living, be thankful they cared enough to say something.