Gary Chapman wrote a book called "The Five Love Languages." They are words of affirmation, quality time, gifts, acts of service and physical touch. Pastor Mike has told me several times in the last 2 days that his love language is honesty.
That got me thinking. Ought there be a book written called "The 6th Love Language"? He is on to something. Few things mean more to me than when a person loves me enough to tell me the truth. Even when it is hard for them to do or hard for me to hear.
I feel truly loved when my future becomes more important than your fear.
Wow! Think on that!
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ReplyDeleteA little something something...you know. ;-)
ReplyDeleteBe careful what you ask for - someone just might give it to you. bo)
ReplyDeleteI think if we all operated in brutal honesty, we would have no relationships left. Each of us is at a different place of growth and could we injured by harsh words. Speak the truth in love and brutal honesty are pretty far apart in my way of thinking.
ReplyDeleteDear Anonymous,
ReplyDeleteI removed the word "brutal". I am not sure that it accurately captured what I was intending to communicate. "Honesty" says it best. Lack that in a relationship and you have no relationship. Love must be present as must honesty. "Harshness" was not the spirit of what I was intending. Removing the word "brutal" should fix that.
That said, I am not an advocate for harshness or hurt. We must love one another! I would however challenge you to think about what your definition of love is.
Lacking honesty can closely straddle hiding the truth...and the truth will set us free. If we leave someone to fail because you are afraid to hurt them, then I am not sure we are loving them.
You may still disagree with me, but that's ok. Agreeing to disagree is healthy!
Peace!
I truly agree with what you said Noah. You know me and I am "brutally honest". I may have offended and hurt people but the truth of the matter is they always knew where I stood and it is usually next to them. If someone had not been brutally honest with me I dont think I would be where I am at today. I think it depends on the person. You just need to know what "battles to fight" and for certain people it may not be being brutally honest.
ReplyDelete