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How can I speak the truth in love and still maintain a friendship?
Realize a friendship without truth isn't a true friendship.
Proverbs 27:6
When you care about someone, it's tempting to avoid telling the truth-especially if that truth might hurt. You might be tempted to shade the truth about yourself because you want to look as good as you possibly can. And you may even be tempted to speak less than the truth to your friend because you don't want to hurt or offend him or (even worse) be accused of being a "control freak."
But a faithful friend must sometimes speak words that bring pain. If your words hurt, are they spoken lovingly? And are they offered as "faithful wounds," the kind that are necessary for your friend's best interests? Speaking the truth can be done without love—even with a friend. But "speaking the truth in love" means you speak with respect, gentleness, and kindness—maintaining your friend's dignity. (See also Job 42:7-9; Ephesians 4:25-5:2; James 1:5-8.)
Good Words to Remember:
Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. Proverbs 27:6
Today's Challenge:
Is there a friend to whom you need to "speak the truth in love"?
Copyright © 2003 by the author or Christianity Today International/Christian Bible Studies.
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