Duty of care is "a requirement that a person act toward others and the public with watchfulness, attention, caution and prudence that a reasonable person in the circumstances would. If a person's actions do not meet this standard of care, then the acts are considered negligent..."* Now that is a mouthful - it is also a combination of simple words. I found it interesting that this phrase came to my mind when I read the following verses in July (comments in green mine).
Proverbs 27:5-6: "A truly good friend will openly correct you. (Gently and kindly too) You can trust a friend who corrects you, but kisses from an enemy are nothing but lies." (CEV)
Proverbs 27:17 "As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend." (NLT) (There may be some friction but it's for the good of both of you)
Proverbs 28:23 "In the end, people appreciate honest criticism far more than flattery. (NLT) (Constructive criticism goes further any time and every time)
I'm sure if you are a regular reader of this blog, you'll know how much I treasure my friends...they are my hugs from God. I suppose that's why I see friendship as a responsibility. I believe that every person owes whoever they call their friends a "duty of care" - yes it is one the the rights of friendship - and there are many more...
In fact, that's one of the responsibilities we have taken upon ourselves with this blog - to be your friend and tell you the truth even if it hurts.
Now that doesn't mean that friends have a licence to go around hurting each other - definitely not! The duty of care is about caring enough to say "no" to your friend when you think they are going in the wrong direction. Indeed, "a true friend never gets in your way unless you happen to be going down;"** and "only your real friends will tell you when your face is dirty."***
In closing, "a friend is one of the nicest things you can have, and one of the best things you can be"**** - remember the duty of care that goes with being a true friend. Purpose that from this 10th day of the 10th month in the 10th year of this millenium, you will demonstrate the duty of care to all those around you. God bless you.
References:
*http://legal-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/duty+of+care
**Arnold Glasow
***Sicilian Proverb
****Douglas Pagels
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