I read this article by John Piper; it’s convicting and encouraging as well.
Some excerpts:
“Let's not talk to others about people's faults. Let's talk to them about their faults. It is easy - and far too tasty on the tongue of our sinful souls - to talk about people. But it is hard - and often tastes bitter - to talk to them.
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But Jesus does not call us to make safe choices. He calls us to make loving choices. In the short run, love is often more painful than self-protecting conflict-avoidance. But in the long run, our consciences condemn us for this easy path and we do little good for others. So let's be more like Jesus in this case and not talk about people, but talk to them, both with words of encouragement, because of the evidences of grace we see in their lives, and with words of caution or warning or correction or even rebuke. Paul urged us to use the full range of words for the full range of needs: "Admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all" (1 Thessalonians 5:14).
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Let's be forthright and honest and courageous and humble… He died for us so that all the logs and specks in our eyes may be forgiven. That should give us both courage and care in dealing with others. Especially when we realize that the faults of our brothers and sisters have also been forgiven by Jesus.
What an amazing standing place we have for relationships, a forgiven, justified, Spirit-indwelt community of people who love to grow in grace.”
I do value openness, straightforwardness or sincerity with respect. However, more often than not, easier said than done. It’s just so hard to escape the pitfall of being judging.
Still learning… to be “forthright and honest and courageous and humble”.
