Can you handle the truth?

Honestly, it probably depends on who's truth-ing you.

It's been my experience that Christians love to give advice and input, regardless if you've asked for it or not. I bet some of you are smiling right now, because you've either been given advice you've never asked for, or you have a habit of giving advice to anyone not smart enough to find a way to end a conversation with you. Rest asure, I've been on BOTH sides of this one!

Instead of simply telling you advice-givers to "cool it," I'd like to offer a little insight into HOW we should go about truth-ing each other, because the reality of life in the church is one where we should be challenging and encouraging each other towards godliness.

AUTHORITY

"When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, for he taught with real authority—quite unlike their teachers of religious law." -Matthew 7:28, 29

While I'm sure there were many new things Jesus taught, one of the biggest differences between him and his contemporaries was the authority with which he taught the public. I think this authority didn't only come from being the Son of God (it doesn't hurt!), but from living consistently with his teachings.

When we're going to give someone advice, we should not only consider if our advice is true and biblically sound, but if we have the authority to speak to such issues. Are you speaking from a place of victory or are you simply espousing truths you're not able to live up to? It's been my experience, personally and professionally, people are rarely willing to listen to others give advice on areas where they have pretty big struggles. Again, what you're saying may be true, but you might not have the authority to speak to such issues.

ACCESS

Secondly, and perhaps a little more difficult to quantify, is to determine whether or not you have the access to give advice and insight. Having someone's permission to speak into their life is almost just as important as what you're going to tell them, otherwise they may disregard what you're saying. What's you're relationship with the person like? Are you a stranger, someone they know, or a friend? Is this your first conversation and you're already trying to restructure their life, or have you developed a relationship where they would invite and value your opinion?

Don't shy away from truth, but strongly consider its delivery. Take a moment to make sure you've got the authority and access to bring truth into the lives of those around you.