Counsels on Relationships

Counsel #16 — Truth In Love

Picture: Counsel #16 — Truth in Love CR 34.1

Speaking truth to a friend is a delicate yet vital part of nurturing a meaningful and honest relationship. It requires balancing honesty with kindness, guaranteeing you speak the truth while also remaining respectful of their feelings. Before having a deep conversation with your friend, especially when addressing sensitive topics, start by praying for wisdom and the right approach. CR 34.2

Choose the best time and place for the conversation to ensure both privacy and respect and use gentle, non-criticizing words to frame your concerns with compassion. When communicating, it comes down to how you phrase your words, which is something only God can help you discern. Saying the wrong thing can have disastrous effects on the friendship and can also lead your friend to make an unhealthy or unwise decision for their life. For example, you can start a conversation by saying, “I care about you, and I’m worried about how this might affect you.” Leading the conversation this way will decrease any preconceived notions about your intentions regarding your friend’s bad behavior and will invite God into the discussion.^[34] CR 34.3

“Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise.” Proverbs 19:20 NIV CR 34.4

“We all need a guide through the many straight places of life, as much as the sailor needs a pilot over the sandy bar or up the rocky river...” Ellen White in My Life Today, p. 25 CR 34.5

Reflect: Do you pray before giving advice? CR 34.6