Saying difficult things

 

People seem to like it when I tell embarrassing stories about myself. So here we go…

Speak the truth, in love

How We Treat People And The Christian Faith

A significant aspect of the Christian faith has to do with how we treat people. Christianity is not just a system of beliefs. Sure, what we believe matters because our beliefs will determine our actions.  But the Christian faith is supposed to be real in our lives in such a way that it effects how we actually live.  And based on the teachings of scripture, the way we live will involve our behaviors and attitudes toward people.

So, how should we treat people?

We should make every effort to be fair and just.

We should be honest, speaking the truth with love, humility and respect.

We should be gracious and forgiving, remembering that we need forgiveness, too.

We should be kind and encouraging.

We should weep with those who weep.

We should rejoice with those who rejoice.

We should laugh with others regularly.

We should love our neighbors.

We should love our enemies.  (Don’t get mad at me, that’s what Jesus said.)

If this seems like a tall order, you’re right, it is.  We need the help and power of the Holy Spirit to live this way.  Fortunately, He will help us do this, if we are willing.

Let’s be willing.

Expressing A Contradictory Opinion In A Sensitive Way

There is a way of humbly disagreeing with a person without intentionally being divisive or contentious.  It is possible to express a contradictory opinion in a sensitive way without sneaking in a little insult.  It is possible to speak the truth in love.  This is what the mature follower of Jesus strives to do.

Speaking The Truth Is A Loving Thing To Do

We’ve been led to believe that speaking the truth is an unloving thing to do unless the truth which is being spoken has wide, popular acceptance and consensus.  But the reality is that speaking the truth is a loving thing to do, even truths that might be difficult, challenging or unpopular.  It is important to speak truth graciously, kindly, gently and humbly.  But telling people the truth is not mean or cruel, it is loving.

Speaking In Truth And Love -- Audio Podcast

We are called to speak the truth and we are called to do so, lovingly!

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How To Have Difficult Discussions

There are discussions that I need to have with people, occasionally, that will be difficult. I’m pretty certain, before we even speak, that there will be some resistance and defensiveness.  But I also know that the truth needs to be spoken.  The loving thing to do is to speak the truth.  So, I take some deep breaths, I pray and ask for God’s strength and help, and then I move to a new state and begin working at a different church.

Speaking The Truth

Even if we speak the truth in loving ways there will still be some who will get upset. Lovingly speak the truth, anyhow.