Let’s Be Honest!
April 15, 2022 by Gil Killam
Filed under Daily Devotions
By Gillis Killam –
While talking with some friends on the subject of confronting someone with whom you disagree, or responding to people who need to be faced with their actions, or wrong words spoken, we agreed that we often don’t want to speak up when we know someone is wrong, because we fear being rejected or marginalized.
This world is filled with people who don’t tell the truth. They lie to their neighbors and even to their friends. It happens every day when someone asks how we are and we automatically say, “O I’m fine! How are you?” Sometimes the truth is we are really not doing so well. This doesn’t seem much to be concerned about, but when it comes to being honest with people who ask a question, or make a statement that you know you should respond to – it matters.
It also happens in a group where we know there are differing ideas held by certain people. We just nod, or say nothing because we don’t want to get on the wrong side of someone, or we don’t want to be rejected. This tendency causes us to be reluctant to share our faith because it might offend someone.
We often don’t recognize these as lies; but they can be spoken in an effort to make a good impression on others. The Lord says, “Speaking the truth IN LOVE”(Ephesians 4:15 NIV). We don’t have to be rude or ungracious, but gently and lovingly share why we disagree. It may mean saying, “Do you really think so?” or, “I don’t see it that way.” or, we can say “This is what I think,” and proceed to share our thoughts. I am afraid we often lie when we don’t speak the truth in love.
There are some things that don’t matter and we must choose what is worth addressing. When we do we must be careful to be gracious and kind in our responses. It is important to attack the issue at hand, not the person. We must also remember that some things must be addressed in private and not in public.
Confrontation is important so that wrong information is not shared, and also for the good of the person who is sharing wrong information.
“ Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love” (Ephesians 4:2 NIV).
Gil Killam was born in New Brunswick, Canada and served as pastor in 4 pastorates in Saskatchewan & Alberta, Canada. Gil is married to his wife Lorna and they have 5 children, 14 Grandchildren and 5 great grand children. He is a graduate of Eston College with a Bachelor of Biblical Studies degree. He also served President of his denomination. Gil enjoys golfing and reading in his spare time.