How do you respond to conflict with a friend? Are you quick to forgive, or do you tend to dig in to bring everything to light? Have you ever avoided bringing something up because you worried it might damage a friendship? Difficult conversations can feel risky—there’s uncertainty about how your friend will react, and it might seem easier to stay quiet. Yet, meaningful friendships require courage, honesty, and love. Jesus demonstrates exactly what this looks like in John 8:1-11 when He speaks truth to the woman caught in adultery. He doesn’t shame or condemn her but compassionately guides her toward a better way of life.

Before approaching someone else, pause and examine your own heart. In Matthew 7, Jesus reminds you to check yourself first, ensuring your motives align with God’s love before guiding others. Truth spoken from a pure heart invites your friends into growth and freedom rather than shame.

Here's how you can practice speaking truth with love:

Check Your Heart First: Ensure your intentions are to genuinely help your friend grow, not to criticize or judge.
Ask God for Guidance: Clarify your motives and seek wisdom before stepping into the conversation.
Lead with Compassion: Correction is meant to restore, build up, and encourage, never to tear down or shame.

Take Action:

Think of a difficult conversation you've been avoiding. Take time this week for honest self-reflection, making sure your heart is aligned with God, and then courageously engage that friend with love and truth.

Dive Deeper:

Speaking truth in love isn’t always easy, but it’s essential for deep, Christ-centered friendships. This week’s message unpacks how honesty, grace, and courage shape meaningful relationships. Watch the full message to learn how to approach difficult conversations in a way that reflects Jesus' love and invites growth.

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Author: Steven Losada

Truth In Love: Navigating Hard Conversations

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