Of the many things I love about my mum, chief among them may be her honesty. Many times I have called to ask her opinion on a matter and she has consistently responded, “Don’t ask my opinion unless you want to hear it. I’m not going to try to figure out what you want to hear. I’ll tell you what I really think.”

In a world where words are often empty, her straightforwardness is refreshing. It is also one of the characteristics of a true friend. Real friends speak the truth to us in love—even if it isn’t what we want to hear. As the proverb says, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend” (Prov. 27:6).

This is one of the reasons Jesus is the greatest of friends. When He met the woman at the well (John 4:7-26), He refused to be pulled into a tug of war over secondary issues. Instead He drove to the deepest issues and needs of her heart. He challenged her about the character of the Father and lovingly spoke to her of her broken dreams and deep disappointments.

As we walk with our Lord, may we allow Him to speak honestly about the true condition of our hearts through the Scriptures—that we might turn to Him and find His grace to help us in our times of need.

Author

Bill Crowder

Topics

Our Daily Bread