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“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without favoritism and hypocrisy.” James 3:17

Nothing more embarrassing than looking in the mirror and seeing the tiny remains of food wedged between two teeth. We quickly remove the evidence, head back to our table and wonder why didn’t someone tell us. How could they sit there and not whisper, “You’ve got food in between your teeth.” That’s all it would have taken; just simply bringing it to our attention.

Sounds quite so simple, but not really. We often hold back from the food dilemma because we don’t want to embarrass someone. Really. The real truth is excusing the truth staring us square in the face leaves our friend running for cover when the big reveal occurs.

Wonder if we ever find ourselves in places where we wished someone had simply questioned the obvious? Blinded by our own choices and excuses, we often land where we never intended. And by the time we figured it out, we wondered why no one helped us see through our mess.

Keeping it real here – it’s hard to confront. Definitely not my fave thing to do to shed light on someone else’s dark. But then haven’t we all been there when looking in the mirror unveiled more than we wanted to see. Pretty sure we’ve all rationalized and built walls to keep out the ones we need the most. Afraid to admit what’s staring us straight in the face.

There’s something so indescribably beautiful that happens when eyes are opened to the truth. Requires listening ears and soft hearts to receive the truth. Requires sweet friends who are brave enough to whisper what needs to be brought out into the light. God’s perfect plan for community and accountability (Proverbs 27:17) pushes us past embarrassment, excuses and intimidation.

Don’t know about you, but this Jesus girl is so thankful for those who shed light on my dark even when I denied it. Little seeds planted that grew to expose what needed to be changed and transformed. So let’s welcome the bringing to our attention, seek God’s guidance and choose wisely so we can avoid the pain of our obvious wrongs.

“Father, thank You for Your grace and mercy in those moments when I fail to choose well. Blessed by the ones You have placed around me that shed the light of Your wisdom into my life.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life