Truth seekers and speakers

I remember in kindergarten my mother spending a significant amount of time helping me read a book. The following day I was suppose to read it for my teacher. However, when it was my turn to read Ms. Van Dine asked me, “Stephen, are you ready to read?” I thought to myself, “I didn’t realize I had a choice” so I simply responded, “No, I don’t think so.” When I got off the bus that afternoon my mother asked me, “How did you do with your reading?” I responded, “I didn’t miss any words!” Later that evening the telephone rang and to my horror it was Ms. Van Dine informing my mother that I had opted not to read. It wasn’t a very good evening after that point for me because truth came knocking at my door.
I have spent a lot of time lately thinking about just how difficult truth can be sometimes. Have you ever stopped to think about how much energy people exert to avoid telling others the truth when they are fearful it may hurt their feelings? We easily can be tempted to make someone’s feelings more important than honesty. As a response to this thinking I have committed to making “truth spoken in love” my ultimate goal as it relates to those that live within my faith community. Relationships are hindered when we aren’t willing to be honest.
Let’s commit to be truth seekers and truth speakers even if it may bring discomfort.