Don’t Be A Phony

 Being a phony is an intensely tiring way to live.  Giving false impressions and lying to cover up attitudes or behaviours drains us of energy and joy.  A person who shoves "their particular truth" in our face is disrespectful and is seen as more irritating than helpful.  How can we make sure we are not the ones who are being fake? Where is the balance in being kind or being honest?

 With most people our responsibility is to be truthful, kind, and respectful.  We are to love God with all our heart and love our neighbour as ourselves.  There will be some close trusted friends with whom we openly share our burdens and our frustrations, but with most people, positive, uplifting, and respectful talk should be our normal behaviour.  There are always things to be grateful for no matter how challenged we may feel while communicating with others.

God gave us this command: If we love God, we must also love each other as brothers and sisters.  (1 John 4:21 ERV)

 We need friends with whom we can share our sorrows and burdens.  There is also a time to be vulnerable and share our hurts and frustrations.  We need to welcome honest feedback even when it makes us uncomfortable.  We all have blind spots.  We need honest support from sponsors and trusted friends.  We don't need someone who is just going to smile and be nice to us while we wallow in self-pity or slide into harmful patterns of living.

 You can trust what your friend says, even when it hurts. But your enemies want to hurt you, even when they act nice.  (Proverbs 27:6 ERV)

The more we live as respectful and authentic persons who befriend others, the more we will experience God’s blessing of caring and supportive friends. 

 So speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you’ll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind. I know you’re already doing this; just keep on doing it. (1 Thessalonians 5:11 MSG)

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, Please help me to live as a genuine and positive person.  Help me to always speak the truth in love and to listen to wise feedback from caring people who take the time to encourage me.  Amen

©2021 Partners in Hope