Walking With LionsSampel

A proverb talks about “the wounds of a friend,” but wounding words are always the first step of healing, not destruction. We speak truthfully to restore, to support, to encourage, and to warn people to change course when it’s necessary. But being painfully honest always carries two risks: we may enjoy it too much or we may become afraid to confront. Those who enjoy it too much need to remember that honesty should always be prompted by love and tempered with humility. And those who want to bail on their God-given responsibility need to remember that God put them there “for such a time as this.” 

Pastor Tim Keller wrote, “Like a surgeon, friends cut you in order to heal you.”

Sometimes, the truth is very uncomfortable—for both sides. Lions wade in with a beautiful combination of honesty and kindness.

• Jesus, You came “full of grace and truth.” You speak honestly and lovingly to me. Give me so much love for the people around me that I’ll hold their hearts tenderly as I say to them what You want me to say.