“It’s not personal.”

“Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.” (Proverbs 27:6, ESV) 

We say it to ease tension, to soften the weight of our choices.
But when relationships are involved, it is personal. Always.

And that’s not a bad thing.
Personal doesn’t mean harmful. It means meaningful.
It means our words and actions carry weight because they connect to people made in the image of God.

Owning that doesn’t create conflict. It creates clarity. It opens space for trust, growth, and healing.
Dismissing it leaves confusion and distance where understanding could’ve grown.

The apostle Paul said, “we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.” (1 Thessalonians 2:8) 
And we’re called to “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” (Romans 12:15).

That’s personal.
That’s love.
And relationships deserve nothing less.

~PW 🌮🛶