Who has the courage to tell you the truth you don’t want to hear? You know the truth I’m talking about. The one that hurts and stings. Is there someone who cares enough and has the courage to tell you the truth?
I’ve been told the truth I didn’t want to hear
My Mom did it through my whole life until she passed. Yes, Ma loved me enough to tell me the unpleasant uncomfortable truth. She felt it was her duty, as my Mother, no matter my age, to say something. To tell me what others wouldn’t dare tell me even if they were thinking it. I didn’t want to hear it! And yes, my feelings got hurt and it stung. But she did it anyway and I thank her because every time she did, it made me stop, think things through, examine myself, dig deep, make better choices and decisions, and be a better person.
My husband does the same. He tells me the unpleasant uncomfortable truth, with love. This is one of the many things I love about my him. He’s not going to be silent, overlook things or go along to get along, and I truly appreciate that. I’ll admit, sometimes the truth hurts and stings. And yes, I do get on the defensive and caught-up in my feelings. But once I get out of my feelings, I think things over and then I have a choice, either continue down the same path and deal with the potential consequences or change/adjust to make things better. That’s what happened when my husband told me the truth about my excessive snacking. I was like “Okay?” I kept overeating junk food until it became unhealthy and I paid the price. (Read ADDICTION)
What is the truth you don’t want to hear?
The unpleasant uncomfortable truth is always about something we know we shouldn’t be doing or saying or should be doing and saying, or something we’re over doing that is harmful to us and/or others. Or maybe something about us that is unpleasant or rub others the wrong way, or actions or behaviors that are unethical, illegal, abusive, unruly, irresponsible, neglectful, deceitful, disruptive or distasteful. Then there is cheating, gossiping, bullying, etc.. Absolutely, we all fall short! This happens at home, work, church, school, neighborhood, anywhere and it can negatively affect our relationships, work performance, health, livelihood, etc..
The person who has the courage to tell us the unpleasant uncomfortable truth can be family (i.e., spouse, parent, grandparent, daughter, son, brother, sister, any relative), girl/boyfriend, friend, supervisor, employee, co-worker, classmate, pastor, church member, coach, teacher, therapist, or neighbor. Sometimes we don’t realize what we’re doing or that others are watching or how it’s affecting others until someone brings it to our attention. Then there are times we know exactly what we’re doing, hoping no one notices. And we continue down the wrong path until someone says something or we are called out and embarrassed or circumstances out of our control forces us to change, adjust or stop.
How to handle the unpleasant uncomfortable truth?
In most cases, you know your unpleasant uncomfortable truth but you don’t want to hear it. Because when you hear it you are faced with the choice to either continue down the same path or do something about it (change/adjust/do better). I know… How dare you tell me that? Who do you think you are? You get on the defensive, your feelings are hurt, you’re caught-up in your feelings and can’t think straight. And oh by the way, you’re highly offended.
Okay… do your thing. Once you get out of your feelings, I want you to think about what was said and be honest with yourself. Consider this… Why would this person take his/her time to say something unpleasant and uncomfortable to you? Awkward! Trust me, this is unpleasant and uncomfortable for that person too and most likely, they wish they didn’t have to but no one else wants to or wants to be bothered. So, you should receive it in a positive way, pay attention and do something about it instead of getting mad, taking it the wrong way and continuing down the wrong path.
Jesus told God’s truth and was crucified
Jesus told God’s truth but the Pharisees didn’t like what He was saying and were highly offended (read Matthew 5:17-20; 6:5-13; 12:1-13; 15:1-14; 21:12-17; 22:15-22, 23:1-26; John 8:1-11). Since they didn’t like what Jesus was saying, they crucified Him. The Good News was this was not the end. Praise God! Early Sunday morning the angel said, “… I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying.” Matthew 28:5-6 NLT
The Good News!
When someone has the courage and takes the time to tell you the truth, is because they care. You might not be receptive or like it at the moment but I hope that at some point you realize that it was a good thing and you take the time to thank the person who cared enough to tell you the truth. The good news is that this is not the end, the truth will set you free. This is the beginning of great things to come. It’s an opportunity to change, improve, make things right, and do better. An opportunity to be the best you!
God’s Truth
God loves you! He wants you to be your best, do your best and live your best life here and now, to be continued in heaven. I believe this with all my heart and I hope you do too! Jesus is the best thing that ever happened to you and me. And that’s God’s truth! Alright!
Bible Reflection
“A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” Proverbs 25:11 NIV
“Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.” Ephesians 4:15 NLT
“And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:28 NLT
“So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body.” Ephesians 4:25 NLT
“Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.” Ephesians 4:29 NLT
From Deb’s 
to yours…
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