Honesty In Friendship

Honesty in Friendship

The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in those who tell the truth.

In one of his sermons, my pastor said that every yes we give is a no to something else. I’ve gone through seasons of life where I felt like every yes given—even for good things, even for great things—was a no to family, to sleep, and to sanity. Navigating work-life balance can be exhausting.

Yet even among close friends, my pride can get in the way of admitting when I’m in a season of difficulty. Though I’ve read the proverb that talks about how God loves our truthfulness, it’s only when I manage to recognize and lay down my pride that I can fully experience the power of honesty to foster true, authentic friendship.

Mindful of that call to honesty, the next time I found myself struggling, I chose to mention it. One day, as I was sitting with friends, a coffee cup in hand and children running rampant, I decided to be bravely, painfully honest.

I told them I was stressed out; I needed to say no more often.

I told them I felt overwhelmed as a wife and mother.

I told them this season of hardship felt unending.

As my friends paused—to squeeze my shoulder, to pass me a Kleenex—I found myself profoundly grateful for the power of honesty. As I swallowed the lump in my throat, I was comforted in knowing that my friends care about me, that their kind words are a balm to the soul. Their careful consideration is a reminder of the truth that calls to me even amid tiredness and stress and an endless stream of diapers and dishes: God is love. And he loves us, just as we are.

The quiet comfort of these essential truths, like dappled sunlight moving across my living room floor on a cold winter day, wraps me in warmth. It’s a reminder that this too shall pass. And if I’m willing to be honest with trusted friends, I’ll never walk through it alone.

— Kristin

— Today’s Act of Friendship —

Choose to be honest with a friend about a challenge you’re facing.