When Speaking the Truth is Hard - iBelieve Truth - August 1
When Saying the Truth is Hard
By Laura Bailey
"My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins." - James 5:19-20 NIV.
"I know you have something to say; just tell me what you are thinking," a friend pleaded over coffee. She was in the middle of a hard season; some of her circumstances were due to bad decisions on her part, and the actions of others caused some. The situation was messy, but with no easy, black-and-white solution, there were some hard truths my friend needed to hear–except I didn't want to be the one to tell her. Can you relate to a similar situation?
- Maybe you have a friend who habitually overindulges in alcohol in social settings. You need to address her dependency but worry; she will be offended.
- Or do you have an elderly relative who lives on a fixed income but asks you for money after overspending for several months? You want to address the issue but don't want to cause hard feelings.
- Your husband is taking on more work responsibilities, keeping longer hours at the office, and traveling for weeks. His workload is taking an emotional toll on the family, but you worry he will become angry or think you are needy if you mention your concern.
Exposing sin or expressing concern can be uncomfortable, but there are times when it is necessary. The book of James is filled with practical advice for Christians. In the last chapter, James gives his readers a final plea:
"Whatever it takes those who have fallen away from the faith, bring them back to the Truth.”
This could mean a new believer who becomes stagnant in their faith walk. Or a seasoned believer who has walked away from the faith. James could be speaking about people who weren't Christians but have openly rejected Christ. James encourages us to make an effort to redirect them back to truth regardless of their current spiritual status. Notice James doesn't say we are responsible for the outcome. If someone doesn't turn back to God, that doesn't mean we have failed. He tells us we should try to help those turn back to the Lord to the best of our abilities.
For most people, just the idea of confrontation makes them break out in hives. But, when we take the time to pray and approach our brothers and sisters with love and a genuine concern for their spiritual well-being, we know we are acting in a way that honors God. Even if our words aren't well-received, we must always be careful not to approach our loved ones from a place of pride, pouring out judgment and condemnation on those who have lost their way.
Sharing with my friend that I thought she had made some sinful decisions and suggesting she pursue forgiveness and make some lifestyle changes was complex. Even though we were close and both followers of Christ, the conversation still made future communication a little awkward afterward. But I felt at peace knowing I shared a desire to see her flourish spiritually and out of love for her. So, while speaking hard truths isn't always easy, isn't it worth a few minutes of discomfort if there is a chance for them to find their way back to the Lord?
Heavenly Father, thank you for the opportunity to know Truth by studying Your word, the Bible. We pray for those friends, family members, and Christians who have walked away from the faith. We ask that You grant us the courage to lovingly share your Truth and guide them back to walking in step with You. We pray we will also be receptive to the hard truth others share when we stray. We love you, Lord, and desire to live a life that is pleasing and honoring to You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
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She lives in Upstate South Carolina with her husband and three young girls, where she serves as director of women's ministries at her church. Her passion is teaching the Bible to women, equipping them to live with an eternal perspective. Invite Laura to speak at your next event or learn more: www.LauraRBailey.com
Related Resource: Jesus Calling - Stories of Faith
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