Truth Wrapped in Grace

There are a lot of people that will come and go in our lives, but a true friend is someone we should cherish forever. In the bible it says iron sharpens iron so does the countenance of a (true) friend. I would always prefer a person to be honest with me then to just say something they think I want to hear, but in their heart, they knew it was not what was best for me. A true friend may not always come wrapped in comfort, but they always try to wrap what they say with grace. When one of my dear sister friends tell me something they believe will make me better, I am grateful because it can be a difficult thing to do. It lets me know they respect me and want the best for me in the long run. I know when the shoe is on the other foot and I may have to be the one telling a friend something that may be hard for her to hear, I just think about what I would want in the same situation.

When I think about what it means to speak in such a manner where we wrap our comments in grace it basically refers to giving honest feedback in difficult situations. It also means to be kind, compassionate, and respectful. When we care for others, we must be willing to risk uncomfortable situations but when our intentions are pure, we must believe they will see us and understand our heart. The other thing is when we want to touch someone’s heart and let them know we care it is important to deliver the information with grace to help take away some of the sting they may feel when hearting what you have to say. Truth with grace empowers the person you are talking to and lets them know you care and that you are not trying to criticize them but uplift them in the situation. Telling someone the truth in grace is like putting on a silk or velvet glove before shaking their hand. It makes everything a little smoother.

Remember, we have different types of friends in our lives.  Some are on the peripheral of our lives and we cannot expect deep commitment, but for those that we allow to be part of our inner circle we should give them permission to tell us the truth about ourselves and help us course correct when we are veering off the path we are supposed to be on even if it hurts a little. True friends do not just reflect our flattering angles. They are like mirrors that show us the smudges we may have missed. They call out our blind spots. They challenge our excuses. They ask the hard questions. And when they do it with love, it does not feel like judgment, it makes us know they care and we grow. Taking this critical position in the life of our friends can be uncomfortable because the truth, even when it is spoken in love, can shake us up. It can confront our pride, disrupt our patterns, and push us to make choices we have been avoiding. But when we let our true friends in, it can also lead us into transformation.

 

In a world where social media rewards the highlight reel, and too many conversations are filtered through fear of offense, the gift of an honest friend is more precious than ever. We do not need more people who will nod and smile while we repeat cycles that sabotage our joy. We need people who are willing to step up and tell us what we need to hear. We need accountability partners, not just cheerleaders. We need friends who are willing to be candid, not just hype women. We need those who love us enough to risk the awkward moment, because they believe in who we can become. Remember to have friends you must be more than just friendly, you must be a true friend. Are you willing to have the hard conversations? Are you able to speak the truth in love? Can you tell someone what they need to hear, not just what they want to hear? Grace is about honoring someone with goodwill and elegance. I hope to be that type of friend until the end. #truth #grace #thepurposepartner

Wendy is The Purpose Partner, Life Strategist, Coach, Consultant, Author, and Speaker.

Healing Without Hate: It's a choice. It's a lifestyle. Pass it on. Visit www.WendyGladney.com and www.forgivingforliving.org to learn more.