file: /pub/resources/text/Our.Daily.Bread: db940715.txt
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OUR DAILY BREAD                       Friday, July 15, 1994
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READ: 2 Corinthians 2:1-11

                  "REAL HELP WHEN WE DO WRONG"

                Like  ...an ornamentof fine gold
              is a wise rebuker to an obedient ear.

                        - Proverbs 25:12

When an unmarried girl who had become pregnant walked across
the platform to receive her high school diploma, the audi-
ence gave her a standing ovation.

A secular writer who was present at the graduation commented
that this wouldn't have happened a few generations ago.  The
teenager likely would have been confronted about her sexual
misconduct.  He said that if she admitted she had done
wrong, she likely would have been forgiven.  Her parents and
the boy's parents, and perhaps their pastors, would have
considered the possibility of marriage.  They would have
stood by then.  But, said the columnist, those applauding
the pregnant graduate were not giving real help. They were
just offering shallow approval.

If a person who professes no faith in Christ can see this,
we as Christians should be equally as perceptive.  The apos-
tle Paul didn't hesitate to commend the Corinthian Chris-
tians for disciplining a man for immorality (2 Cor. 2:6).
And when the offender repented, Paul was quick to urge them
to forgive him fully (vv. 7-10).

Thank You, Lord, for people who comfront me when I do wrong,
and who forgive and accept me when I repent. Thank You for
their real help.


Author:  Herbert Vander Lugt

        A faithful friend will say what's true,
        Although it causes pain;
        He's really thinking of your good
        And all you stand to gain.

                                - Dennis J. De Haan

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
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Real help combines correction with compassion.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:  Isaiah 25-27

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