*For many years I’ve enjoyed the daily devotionals from Family Life and Janel has been among my favorite authors. Her wit and humor make it enjoyable to read her sometimes stinging truths. Enjoy! Blessings, Ed 😊
My husband had this annoying habit when we were first married: Telling the truth.
I’d request his opinion on my shirt, and he would casually let me know if it looked sloppy or less-than-flattering. He’d thank me for the meal from my shiny new Better Homes and Gardens cookbook, but when I pushed, he’d suggest I cut back on the onion.
Or I would begin a well-known wifely script. “I feel so [insert adjective]. I can’t believe you’re attracted to me.”
My husband was supposed to reply, “I am married to the most beautiful woman in the world.” But he recognized the quicksand of my insecurity, my attempts to drag him in.
A truth-teller would not speak with inaccurate superlatives. Instead, he extended a branch: “I’m not going to say you’re the most beautiful woman in the world; you wouldn’t believe me anyway.” Try me. “But you are beautiful to me.”
Kind of anti-climactic. Where did this guy go to man school?
At times he thought that I wanted to be reminded of scriptural principles. (And I did. But not when I was sinning, for Pete’s sake.) Not in a self-righteous way. Just carefully, honestly telling me what I needed to hear.
He was gut-level honest about sin he was struggling with. At first, I’d feel awkward. Or disappointed. Or angry.
But the more this happened—and the more I revealed my own struggles—the more intimate and refining our relationship became. We drew closer, confessing failures, then asking forgiveness and even quietly holding each other accountable.
As he grew more gentle, more careful about his timing and choice of words, I recognized something valuable and rare: trustworthiness.
His compliments aren’t an attempt to make me feel good. His looks of admiration are from a brother in the battle, helping me anticipate the places I’d be wounded by my sin—or wound others. The white lies greasing the wheels of so many relationships aren’t welcome.
After nearly two decades of marriage, he’s changed a lot. But I love that he still tells the truth.
Wondering if you should tell the truth about that—and how to speak tough truths? Learn more here.
| THE GOOD STUFF: And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:17) ACTION POINTS: In what environment do you feel like the most winsome version of yourself? How might that environment prevent you from seeing the more negative version of yourself? In what ways might you be more dedicated professionally than you are in your home? |
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Walking With Jesus 