Honesty

Background: I’ve made plans for my Saturday that minimally involves my family. You know, a me day. My family decides to write themselves into my day (like this wasn’t going to happen anyway). I’m now left with a choice, to I pull out my eraser or do I embrace this new plan?

At first I was going to give in and go along with the new plan. But I did something I’m learning to do more often, I shared how I really felt about the situation. I was honest, I didn’t want them interfering with my plans. I wanted to do something for me, not something with everyone. So I did pull out the eraser but I didn’t totally X them out of my day.

I shy away from being completely honest when sharing my thoughts or how I feel about something because I don’t want to damage my relationships. This of course breeds certain relationship dynamics that are not always healthy, and you now have to maintain those dynamics. I’m glad to have people in my life that are not like me that can tell me what they are thinking without reservation. I’m striving to be similar to those people, I have to put a little sugar on my truth. I can’t be that salt-on-the-wound truth teller. I’d be apologizing for telling the truth.

The truth is necessary. It brings freedom, to others and you.

Proverbs 31:9 Open your mouth, judge righteously and plead the cause of the poor and needy. Proverbs 31:26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

Clearly these scriptures emphasize that you open your mouth. Verse 9 says judge righteously. The slang definition of righteous is absolutely genuine. If we are genuine or honest with others regarding our thoughts and feelings on a situation, we all remain free. But in our honesty, we must always remember to impart wisdom with our truth and deliver it with kindness.

References: Proverbs 31:9,26