Caring Candor

Sometimes Christians can have unrealistic expectations of total harmony and complete happiness on earth. This can lead to people avoiding conflict and covering up their true feelings with nice words. However, utopia doesn’t happen until we get to heaven. In the meantime, we are sinners in need of a Savior; we are saints who struggle to get along from time to time. Healthy relationships and authentic community flow freely when we share from the heart and communicate concerns with candor and care. While it is important to be kind, we must also be honest with our feelings.

Unaddressed and unresolved issues will eventually come out in sarcastic jabs, or we will conceal them in angry apathy. So we must make sure that we create safe environments in our families and at work for everyone to express how they really think and feel. Perhaps we can ask others to vent their frustrations after we have prayed together. Prayer prepares our heart to give and receive truth delivered in love. Hearts softened by prayer are sensitive to hearing Spirit-led words. Become a bold vessel of truth but only after you have gone boldly to God’s throne of grace. Empty yourself of your desires and fill yourself with God before you talk to others about themselves.

Action Step: Is there someone you need to speak the truth in love to today? Bring this matter to the Lord before you address the issue with care and candor.

Lord, help me speak the truth in love, with grace and compassion. Guide my words to build up and edify, not tear down. May your love shine through my speech, bringing healing and reconciliation. Grant me wisdom to communicate your truth effectively, always motivated by love. Amen.