The truth hurts sometimes, doesn’t it? We like to think we have it all together. There’s no area in our lives that needs correction. It’s the others in our lives who need help. Boy, howdy, do they ever. And we are more than eager to point out their flaws. Tell it like it is. Get right to the point. Shoot straight. Let the chips fall where they may.

Maybe others do need correction, just as we might, but it’s all in the way we handle it, that makes the difference.

While I was in the hospital recently, following surgery to place three screws into my left femur due to a hip fracture, I had two nurses who administered my much-needed medication into my IV line differently. Each had their own way. One inserted the needle into the line, took her time, and gently pushed the plunger until all the medicine flowed through my veins. Nice.

The other nurse inserted the needle into the line, then jammed the syringe plunger like she was setting a new speed record. EEOOWW! Man, that hurt. Burned like fire, and left my head spinning.

Both nurses accomplished the task they were assigned…they administered the medication I needed into my body. And I appreciate them both, equally. But, one did it gently. The other, not so much.

Paul wrote to the Ephesians, and to us, that we are to speak the truth in love. Paul pointed out the sins of the people so they would put off their unrighteous ways, and follow Jesus more closely. His intent was to instruct. To support. To help.

What is our motive when we feel the need to correct others? Is it out of love for that person? To draw them closer to the LORD? Or to prove ourselves right, and prove them wrong?

When we need to confront others we have a choice. We can speak the truth gently, in love. Or we can deliver the same truth, by jamming down the plunger. It’s our choice.

I pray we all choose wisely. In love.

What are your thoughts on the subject?

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)

I wish you well.

Sandy

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