By Nancy Virden (c)2023

God tells the truth; Jesus too. These examples (and commandments against practicing deceit) teach us that honesty is the better way. When it comes to boundaries, truth-telling saves us headaches such as embarrassment or getting involved too deeply.

Too often we talk in circles, afraid to speak what we mean.

Connie says to Bob, “I like it when the sun shines through clean windows.” Later, when Bob hasn’t cleaned the windows she says, “I like clean windows, don’t you?”

Bob agrees. The next day, the windows are still not clean. Connie is feeling irritated. Bob knows she hates cleaning the windows. He has done it before, what is his problem?

Practicing deceit muddies communication

Do you recognize the problem? Connie is expecting Bob to mindread. She did not ask him straight out if he would please clean the windows. Now she is growing angry, and the next thing Bob knows, his wife is in a huff and he has no idea why.

This type of ‘small’ problem is repeated in relationships every day. God doesn’t ask us to mindread. He has come straight out in His Word (the Holy Bible) what He wants. We do not have to guess.

John 13:34 reads, “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.” Jesus spoke those words.

Ephesians 4:25 says it another way. “So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body.”

We can do better and tell the truth. It strengthens healthy relationships.

-COMMENTS WELCOME

Today’s Helpful Word

Ephesians 4:15a

…we will speak the truth in love

If you are feeling suicidal, or concerned about someone who is, in the U.S. call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, or for a list of international suicide hotlines, go here.

If you are suicidal with a plan, immediately call 911 in the U.S. or go to your nearest emergency room. In the EU call 112. (For other international emergency numbers, go here ). Hope and help are yours!

Always the Fight Ministries (ATFM) has been displaying compassion for those fighting mental illness, addiction, or abuse since 2012. Nancy is the founder and voice of ATFM and openly shares her emotional resurrection from despair. NOTE: Nancy is not a doctor or a mental health professional, and speaks only from personal experience and observations. In no way is this website intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.

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