Session 6

Do you love me enough to tell me the truth?

From Showing Visible Love: A 7-Day Devotional

We all know what it’s like to have a difficult conversation with someone you love. You know, the one you put off having because it’s awkward.

We wonder, What do I say? What if they never speak to me again?

Hard conversations are not fun, but they are necessary. One of the most difficult ways to love someone is to be willing to tell them the truth, even when it hurts.

Hard conversations, like the one Paul had with the church in Corinth, can lead people away from sin and into the abundant life Jesus has for them. Being truthful with each other pushes us forward and helps us become more like Jesus.

So how do you have a hard conversation with someone? Start by praying. Ask God what He thinks about the situation and what He wants you to say. Ask God for clarity and courage as you prepare for the conversation. Once you’re sure your motives are pure and you have the other person’s best interest in mind, it may be helpful to write out what you want to say as a reference.

Next, ask the other person to sit down and talk with you in private. Let the person know you love them and have their best interest in mind. Say what you need to say, and be kind but clear. Give the other person time to respond or ask questions. When you both feel the conversation is finished, pray and remind the person how much you love them.

It may take time to process what was said, and that’s OK. Stay connected, so you can encourage and support each other in
your next steps.

Flattery feels good, but a real friend won’t stand idly by while we wreck our lives. We all need people who will do more than support our decisions. We need people who will love us enough to tell us when we’re wrong and help us change.

Reflect:

• Is there anyone you need to have a hard conversation with? Pray and ask Jesus what He wants you to say.
• Has someone recently had a hard conversation with you? What is Jesus teaching you through that hard conversation?