Honesty In Friendship

Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy.

“I am so angry. What was McKinsey thinking? I’m never talking to her again!” Adrienna slammed her locker a little harder than usual as she turned to Brittany.

“I don’t think McKinsey knew that Ciara has been spreading rumors about you when she invited her along to the movie. I think she was trying to help you guys work things out, not betray you,” Brittany said. “You can’t be mad at someone who didn’t know the whole story and was trying to be kind.”

Adrienna frowned. It hurt a little that Brittany didn’t agree with her, that Brittany was sticking up for McKinsey instead of her. “I don’t know. Maybe McKinsey’s just as bad as Ciara,” she said.

“McKinsey’s been a good friend,” Brittany reminded Adrienna. “You don’t want to ruin that by jumping to conclusions. Remember that other time, with Lisa?”

That had been a bad mistake—a time Adrienna’s hasty temper had gotten her in trouble and nearly lost her a friend. Adrienna sighed. “I guess you’re right. Thanks, Brittany.”

Brittany smiled, and they walked together toward the doors leading to the bus line.

When we have a friend who loves us enough to correct us, we should not take that blessing lightly. It is so much easier not to confront than it is to gently hold our friends accountable. But the Bible teaches us that true friends will call us out on our wrong actions, unlike false friends who may speak sweet words even as they push us to make choices Jesus doesn’t want us to make.

Wouldn’t you rather hear truth spoken in love from friends and family than listen to the fake sweetness of those who don’t really care about you? But that requires wisdom on our end. We have to be willing to listen with an open heart, to accept correction, and to recognize that our friends and family are on our side, even when they tell us that we were wrong. Hearing truth may feel painful in the moment, but it’s the only way that we can grow.

Things to Think About

• Have you been ignoring a painful truth someone you love has shared with you sincerely and with your best at heart?
• Have you been avoiding a painful conversation with someone you love about their behavior?

DAILY ACT OF FRIENDSHIP

Make a promise to your friends to tell one another the truth when they are doing or saying something ungodly or unwise.