Why Real Friends Hurt You (And Why You Should Let Them) - RTBP Episode 192

Reason To Behold

Show Notes: Do You Have Friends Who Can Wound You? 🎙️ Episode Overview: In this candid and thought-provoking episode, Tolu and Arnold explore the importance of having friends who are willing to tell you the hard truths—friends who love you enough to risk wounding you for your growth. Drawing from biblical principles and personal experiences, they discuss why these kinds of friendships are vital for spiritual, emotional, and personal development. This is an episode packed with wisdom and practical insights on how to cultivate and respond to these valuable relationships. 💡 Key Discussion Points: [00:02]: Why having friends who can wound you is a blessing, not a burden. [02:30]: Proverbs and the power of wounds from a friend versus the kisses of an enemy. [03:00]: The dual cost of speaking hard truths—how it affects both the giver and the receiver. [05:44]: How God’s love sets the ultimate example of truth and correction, even when it’s uncomfortable. [07:42]: The connection between love, correction, and discipline—how tough conversations lead to growth. [09:48]: Giving and receiving tough feedback—why it’s not just about correction but also offering solutions or support. [12:34]: When you don’t have all the answers: How to workshop challenges together and grow through collaboration. [16:37]: Unexpected wisdom: Why your enemies’ criticisms can sometimes be the most truthful and useful. [20:45]: Filtering feedback through biblical principles to discern truth and take actionable steps forward. [23:00]: Re-reading scripture as a living Word: How a different season of life can bring fresh revelations. [25:07]: The power of reaffirming trust in your friendships to create a safe space for truth and growth. Highlights from the Episode Truth is Truth: Whether it comes from a friend, a stranger, or even an enemy, truth has value. The key is to filter it through the Word of God and discern how it applies to your life. Permission Creates Safety: Asking, “Can I share this with you?” before giving feedback can reaffirm trust and ensure your words are received in love. Biblical Foundations for Growth: Proverbs 27:6 reminds us that the wounds of a friend are better than the kisses of an enemy. True love involves correction, even when it’s difficult. Discipline is Love: Like God’s discipline of His children, true friendships require tough conversations to help each other grow and succeed. Practical Steps You Can Take Audit Your Friendships: Do you have friends who are willing to wound you in love? Are you willing to be that friend for others? Seek Biblical Truth: Use scripture as your filter for advice, whether it comes from a friend, a mentor, or even an unexpected source. Reaffirm Trust: Check in with your closest friends and remind them that they have the freedom to speak honestly with you. Connect with RTB 👉 For podcast updates, exclusive daily devotional emails, and more, join the RTB community! Sign up here: www.reasontobehold.com 📩 Got a question or want to share your thoughts and reflections from the episode? We’d love to hear from you! Contact us: [e-mail] 🎧 Don’t miss this episode and others—subscribe and leave us a review! Relevant themes covered: friendships, biblical correction, personal growth, truth in relationships, Christian friendships, Proverbs 27:6, spiritual growth, accountability in relationships, Reason to Behold podcast, biblical principles for life.