Daily Delight

“Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.” -Ephesians 4:25 (ESV) 

Beyond not comparing, judging and gossiping – what do we really know about being a good friend? I know realizing what we shouldn’t do – is a good start. But what’s next?

Here’s what I know – there are actual instructions in the Bible on relationships, and they apply to us. It’s the “One Anothers,” and they’re all about humility, love and unity.

Why do we not speak truthfully with one another? What are we so afraid of?

I love everything bagels, but I don’t like eating them in public. Have you ever looked in the mirror after eating one? Sesames, poppy seeds, roasted onion bits– all in your teeth. It’s a potential awkward moment just waiting to happen. This is a prime example of when I need a friend willing to tell the truth...“Um, you have a bunch of poppy seeds in your teeth.”

Which leads us to Philippians 2:3: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” (ESV)

The moment a friend decides that truth in love is more important than them is so biblical and beautiful! It means they were willing to go beyond awkwardness and risk consequences.

I know stuff in your teeth is a silly example, but the application is important. It’s taking a simple, biblical truth and bringing it to light in an ordinary way.  We are required to be truthful with one another and hold one another above ourselves.

What if I go home, look in the mirror and realize you never told me about the poppy seeds? Initially, I’d be completely irritated, but I’d forgive you. If we can receive God’s forgiveness, we better be able to forgive others. But we can’t forgive one another if we don’t talk about what’s wrong. Friends, we’ve got to be straight with each other; about the poppy seeds, about our feelings, about the things that keep us separated from one another.

You’ve got this, girl.

About the Author

Theresa Fenton

Currently living in Southern IL, Theresa was raised in the beautiful Berkshires of Massachusetts, and met her husband Kyle 24 years ago. They have two grown children – Abigail & Michael – both away at college and living their dreams. It’s been said that Theresa likes to “make all things pretty,” and that includes the words she puts on paper and her blog.

Theresa loves spending her time fixing up and decorating homes, cooking, meeting new friends, influencing the world around her with hope and faith and ultimately – to love God and love people a whole bunch!

You can find Theresa on Instagram here and her blog here.