It Is What It Is

“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” (Ephesians 4:29, ESV)

Why do we try to sugar coat things? Sometimes it is done to protect sensitive feelings. Other times it is done to not sound quite so negative. You may have your own reasons for painting a pastel picture when it is a vibrant scene.

I do it mostly to save others from embarrassment or hurt. I can be pretty outspoken at times so it is important that I select my words carefully and when she asks about a new outfit, I say things like, “I really like the color” instead of “who went with you buy that ugly dress? It makes you look like you’ve gained 20 pounds.”

How is your filter working these days? When sharing your opinion, remember that others have their opinion as well. You see the pastels and they are seeing black and white. Could it be that neither of you are wrong?

Five people will witness an accident and there will be five different versions of what happened. Thank goodness for videos that catch the incident as it goes down. All the viewers may have part of it right but the truth is found in the actual footage. There is no way to sugar coat something like that because it is what it is.

So, do we tend to sugar coat our behaviors or thoughts as Christians? Do we glaze over issues that need attention? Do we downplay what we have done? Of course we do! That is our human nature but it is not what we are called to do.

We are to be held accountable for our thoughts, words and actions. When we mess up, we often call it a mistake (which is a thick sugar coating). Sin is sin and it is what it is!

Does God call it like it is? In the Bible, there are definitely some strong DO’s and DON’Ts. He spoke to the writers of His Word without sugar coating anything. Yet, we will hunt for versions that don’t make it sound quite so bad and we are constantly seeking loop holes to wiggle through so the sin can be swept under the carpet. Wow! There must be some lumpy-bumpy carpets out there today!

We are encouraged to speak the truth as the Holy Spirit guides, with humility and a lot of prayer. There will be times when the truth will hurt especially when it comes in the form of a correction. Speaking the truth in love is not sugar coating because it is what it is.

Truth Be Told with Matthew West

Father God, Thank You for Your Words of guidance and boundaries. Help us to live within Your plan and to speak the truth in love and humility. AMEN.