A real friend will tell you the truth, even when it hurts. Proverbs 27:6 NKJV — Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

I think its important to realize that the core deception we deal with is that we can know or determine good and evil apart from God. In my own experience I came to understand that even though I had said the words to God " I forgive my Dad", I still lived in judgment against him. There came a point where I knew I was unable within myself to forgive in the way Jesus required, and me literally begging God for help. God then gave it to me, supernaturally. Its Jesus living through us that is powerful. Watch out for that "icky" feeling. Is that feeling is designed to get you to hide from God, who loves you desperately, and provides the way for you to walk out of the trap you've been stuck in? If it is, its of Satan. My mentor puts it this way; if you're kicking your butt it's impossible to walk. No flamingos!

What amazes me is that there's no lag time. They just got beaten, and they are already rejoicing. My first question is would I run to Jesus or to sin for comfort? These guys aren't even in the same ballpark of thought that I'm in at this point in my walk. I do hope to be in theirs someday!