At current time, there is a popular game show on TV where celebrities try to figure out which of three individuals is telling the truth and is the actual person described at the beginning of each round. The real person is the only one who has sworn to tell the truth.
The Bible says that the truth will set you free.
“For if you embrace the truth, it will release true freedom into your lives.”
John 8:32 (TPT)
Telling the truth can be difficult, at times, but as I trained my children, “speak the truth, for the truth can always be dealt with.” Dealing with lies is even harder. Lies, create mistrust. But what do you do if you need to speak the truth to someone about their life? You don’t want to hurt them, or take the risk of them getting mad and never speaking to you again, so a lot of the times we don’t say anything. We sit back and watch them struggle or continue with a habit in their life that hurts others, while hoping all along they will see the light, and change on their own, but that doesn’t happen very often or quick enough.
One principle I have learned is to “ask” permission to speak into someone’s life. I will say something like, “May I speak into your life concerning something I see that I feel needs to be corrected?” Now it is up to them to grant that permission or not. If they say, “No” then I say, “Okay” and I move on. But if they agree then after I share the truth to them that I feel they need to hear, they cannot get angry with me, because they gave me permission to speak first. It is important though to always speak the truth with love when touching on a personal issue.
They may disagree with what I said, or they may not understand it right away, and there is a chance they will not want to correct their behavior, but that is all on them. Using this principle is very effective. After a person hears the truth and then chooses to accept it, they will begin to journey down the path that leads to freedom, not just for them, but for all the people in their life. Especially for those they previously hurt with their old behavior. This new found freedom fosters love and acceptance in their family, friends, and working relationships. God’s word is again proven to be correct. He gave us these words to help us have better and happier lives on earth, which was part of his original plan all along.
To truth and freedom. May both spread without hesitations and roadblocks.
Copyright © 2021 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.
brady, mark a. 
I have been on both ends of that conversation. What helped me to receive the advice was the tears I saw in my friend’s eyes – She clearly didn’t want to hurt me. Another thing that helps not only to receive the criticism but to seek the help being offered is when the person admits to that kind of struggle and offers the benefit of her experience to help me grow through it. This is very helpful, because we often recognize in others something that has been a problem in our own lives. With both the giver and receiver, humility leads to healing.
Great insight and wisdom. Thank you for sharing. Blessings.