The Gratitude Shift - Embracing Six Gifts You Already HaveSample

GIFT 4: THE GIFT OF TRUTH

“and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” John 8:32

We have the gift of life-changing truth from the Word of God and from those close to us. This gift of truth can bring us to those crossroads where we make life-changing decisions.

Widely shared quotes and memes about friendships state that a true friend will tell us the truth when no one else will because they love us. But in real life, when they do, it can end the friendship. Yet, it doesn't have to be that way. When we are open to hearing the truth and applying the necessary changes to our lives, a friendship can continue to grow and deepen.

A friend called me out once by telling me I was spoiled. I instantly took offense because I didn't think what they said was true. But I felt the Holy Spirit tug that there was truth in what he said, so I started looking for that truth. I was able to see that I had some very unrealistic expectations and that I complained a lot. He was right. Our friendship survived that truth-telling and continued to grow after that.

When spoken in love, the truth that others bring us can be gifts that pave the way for positive life changes. Instead of dismissing them because we don't like what they say, let's examine both the messenger and the message. The truth they speak might be just what we need to hear. Truth, even uncomfortable truth, is a gift that, when handled properly, leads to our freedom, growth, new experiences, and wisdom.

People don't have to tell us what we want to hear for it to be good for us. Yes, encouragement and support are essential, but sometimes, the truth we need is the last thing we want to hear. This gift of truth can bring us to a place of safety and change and is one we should be grateful for!

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for the ways Your truth has changed me. Thank You for the friends and family You've given me who are willing to speak the truth I need even when I don't want to hear it. Thank You that You love me too much to leave me unchanged and that sometimes it takes the gift of uncomfortable truth to change my perspective and move me on to where You want me to be. I love You, Lord. Amen.