I feel like Jack Nicholson’s quote in the movie A Few Good Men is more true now than ever.
When pressed to speak the truth he candidly yells…”YOU CAN’T HANDLE THE TRUTH!”.
Unfortunately this seems to be overwhelmingly true between Christians. We can be so quick to take offense that we prevent the truth to ever really penetrate our hearts.
The fact of the matter is that the truth hurts more than it feels good. But the truth heals. It’s a necessary pain to get to the necessary place in God you desire to be.
You see the only way to grow as a body is to be able to speak the truth towards one another. To be open and honest with those on the battle field with you.
Holding each other accountable for their actions or the lack thereof.
Often times the missing ingredient is love.
We are commanded to speak the truth in love only. Love has to be the arena in which truthful words are released.
Think about all of your relationships: spouses, family members, childhood friends, loved ones, co-workers, etc.
How truthful are you in each relationship? How truthful should you be? How truthful do you desire to be?
It has been my experience that many great relationships have been destroyed by secrets or the lack of the truth. So when the truth is finally revealed the hurt is so insurmountable the relationship is forever damaged.
Can you imagine the change in all your relationships if you were willing to speak the truth in love no matter what? There would be a lot of hurt up front, but imagine the healing.
Imagine the progress. Lastly, imagine the growth you would experience.
My challenge to you today is to not only make a commitment to speak the truth in love. But to accept the truth when spoken in love as well.
Not only does the growth of your relationships depend on it, but so does the body of Christ.
Lets pray…
“Lord prepare my heart. Prepare me to handle the truth that is presented to me in love. Also, prepare me to be willing to speak the truth in love no matter what the circumstance. I choose growth in my relationships more than I fear hurt or disappointment. I pray all these things in Jesus name, Amen.” |
