Truth Can Be Tough To Hear

I’ve been “pushed on” or “chewed out” before and it’s not really a pleasant experience. As I’ve gotten older, I try to separate the emotion from the truth that is being spoken. It will soon get really clear if there is any substance to what is being said. I have no problems pushing back in these situations. However, if not done correctly, then a full on argument ensues.  I believe that TRUTH is non-negotiable. I don’t believe that truth is relative to certain situations and not others. I believe that truth will nearly always come out. When I’m being confronted with the truth, I don’t always want to hear it. Sometimes the presentation is offensive and sometimes it’s the content that is offensive.  I really work hard at listening to the emotional outbursts and ranting and raving of the fired up individual. I try hard to see if there is truth behind all the emotion – the yelling and veins popping out of the neck. The calmer I can be in that situation, the more discerning I can be.  Paul speaks the to the church at Corinth about how the truth can offend, but it can also bring growth. Check this out….

I want to open to hearing the truth spoken into my heart. I also want to be bold about speaking the truth into others lives.  I don’t want to be judgmental of the other person, but I don’t want to be afraid to confront them. I don’t want to the confrontation to be about my struggles, and me although I may need to do some repentance of my own. I want my relationship with the Lord to be on solid footing prior to confronting the sin of another person. I want godly sorrow in me to produce great spiritual qualities in my life – namely repentance.

I am so imperfect and full of flaws. I need godly sorrow and repentance daily.