Surely the righteous will praise your name and the upright will live before you. Psalm 140:13
I've spent a great deal of time concerned about what others think. If only I could be as concerned about living an upright life before God. He sees every secret choice. He knows every time I am tempted to fall away. He rejoices when I stand firm. He weeps when I fail.
Lord, I'm struggling this morning. How should I respond to the lies of a friend? Normally, I am so concerned about how others perceive me. My response is usually to gloss it over - to quickly forgive - to move forward in hopes things will improve.
Who am I trying to impress?
Can I stand upright before You and know that I have enabled a friend to harm himself or his family? Can I merely sit back and watch as he wears a mask of righteousness and pursues worldly desires. Save my friend. Spare his life. Help him to someday praise You again and to live upright before You.