Listen for Truth

We all need people to speak truth into our lives, whether from a friend or even an enemy. It doesn’t matter, truth is truth regardless of who speaks it. Is it easier to embrace a painful truth from a friend rather than an enemy? Sometimes. Accepting truth from an enemy may be difficult because we tend to assign motives and rationalize why they would defame us and seek our harm.  And too often they do.  But, there are occasions when they speak genuine reality. Regardless of the source, we need to pause, consider, and pray to see if there is any veracity in what they say.

Once we have asked God for his discernment (and sometimes even before) the Holy Spirit will convict us of our sin, or confirm our innocence. If guilty, we repent and bring it to the feet of Jesus, the One who died to redeem us and stands ever ready to forgive.

Too often, like a mirror we avoid first thing in the morning, we sidestep people who speak truths that give an unflattering, realistic reflection of ourselves. Yet, these may be God’s chosen servants, holding us to account with ourselves, others, and the Lord. Through our openness to hearing truth, repenting of sin and accepting forgiveness,  we will be enabled to draw closer to Him and to others.     

 

 He who ignores discipline despises himself,

but whoever heeds correction gains understanding. 

Proverbs 15:32, NIV