Some people are prophetic in nature. They always speak the truth;
sometimes not in a very loving manner. They do not intend to hurt another's
feelings, but at times it does happen.
You always know where you stand with a prophetic person. They will
not lie to you, and over the years of maturing spiritually, they learn to speak
the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15-19).
I am one of these prophetic people. One person in my life labeled
me as a "mean spirited" person; yet my husband says I'm very sweet
and kind; but at times the truth I speak hits a person the wrong way, and it
hurts their feelings.
In a marriage, two opposites attract. We need the strengths in our
spouse to balance out our weaknesses; and they need our strengths to balance
out theirs.
Our idiosyncrasies and imperfections may frustrate or irritate one
another; but we can discuss these issues and resolve them, rather than allow
bitterness to grow in our heart over the years.
When our spouse's behavior causes us to pull away from him/her, we
are using this distance and lack of attachment as a defense mechanism to
protect our feelings.
Withdrawing is our way of preventing a volley of verbal discussion
or fighting, possibly causing more hurt and bitterness; but withdrawing also
compounds the problem by sweeping it under the rug.
Humility allows us to admit that we are wounded and to confront
the offensive behavior during an unemotional time of rational conversation.
Stuffing our feelings only increases the hurt and is caused by pride.
These open, honest conversations bring enlightenment to both
members of the couple, allows us to ask hard questions and give honest answers
in love, and to learn valuable lessons that lead to personal growth and positive
change in the relationship that strengthens the marriage.
Prayer:
Father God, teach us to fitly speak a word in due season in order
to help our family, friends, associates and neighbors to improve their quality
of life (Isaiah 50:4). Help us to realize when we did not speak the truth in
love, but in prophetic fervor; and to humbly apologize for hurting someone's
feelings.
Teach us to appreciate the candid counsel of a brother or sister
in the spirit in which they intended to give it…to help us rather than to wound
us. Let their wise words help us to mature in our walk with You and to learn
the secrets of life, which they already learned from You. Help us to pass on
these truths to others in love and humility.
Thought for the Day:
When someone loves us enough to point out a fault, we should not
take offense, but thank them for their honesty and for being willing to be
vulnerable enough to tell us the truth.
