Truth Bearers

Galatians 4:16           Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth?

 

The truth hurts, especially when it comes from a true friend. I can remember when I was addicted to alcohol one of my co-workers coming up to me and saying, “John, you drink too much, and it’s affecting what people around here think of you.” I was angry at her and sought to avoid working with her. I withdrew within myself and cast aside any criticism about my drinking habits. I could handle the situation better on my own anyway.

 

Months later, I was leaving the firm. Usually the office workers put on a going-away party at the local pub. Some people came to say “goodbye” to me, whilst others wanted to say, “Good riddance!” The co-worker who had confronted me earlier simply told me, “John, don't get drunk. You do stupid things when you are drinking.”

 

Instead of being offended or defensive this time, I looked into her eyes. I could see that she cared for me, and this was why she didn't want me to get absolutely plastered and make a fool of myself. This time I followed her advice. I had a couple of drinks, but not in excess of what I could hold. It was the first time in my life that I realized I had a problem. My co-worker had planted a seed of doubt in my mind about my alcoholism. She was not my enemy. Instead, she was a true friend.

 

The truth hurts. Sometimes we go into denial about who we are and what we do. We don't like to ‘fess up’ to our mistakes, bad habits, or obsessions. We hate it when those around us – family, friends, and even co-workers – point out what we've done and how badly it’s affecting our lives. But the only chance of recovery and redemption, renewal and restoration comes when the truth is told and the truth-bearer is accepted and not rejected.

 

If you've got a problem in your life right now, and other people around you whom trust and love are telling you about it, then you need help and you need to face the truth. And as Jesus said a long time ago, only “the truth can set us free.”

 

Prayer:                        Lord Jesus, when other people point out our mistakes, we get defensive and seek to diminish their version of the truth. Instead of facing up to what’s wrong in our lives, we want to point out what’s wrong with other people. You know us completely, Lord, so when we are afraid of challenges that will cause changes, help us to rely upon You to have the strength, resolution and focus to handle and embrace the truth. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.