I was thinking today about how we say things at times that aren't necessary. This especially impacts our relational health when others don't receive in the way we intend. It's even harder when we're not as in tune with why we felt we had to say it in the first place.
The most common war cry we come up with?
"I'm just keeping it real."Honesty is an amazing thing. It opens doors into places that are otherwise closed, like when you're sharing something out of your heart and journey with another person and your vulnerability with your own flaws invites them to share their own.
Where it goes backward, though, is when we get that backward... when we start with their flaws.
It can also come down to us sharing opinions on things, assuming we should be heard or that our "noble intentions" give us the excuse to be a jerk.
You've recognized this when you've been on the receiving end, right?
Have you recognized this when you've dispensed it, though?
When does honesty cross the line? Is it all in the tone, or is it all in whether it's even necessary?
"Everything is permissible"--but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible"--but not everything is constructive.(1 Corinthians 10:23)Hang onto that question and thought. I leave you with this intriguing card (via Adam Ford).
