Being Real and Encouraging Honesty

I hadn't heard from her in ten years when she sent the perfunctory happy email about her life. Since we'd once been close friends, I decided to do something I don't always do - I replied with an honest overview of my life, the imperfections, mistakes, and sorrows as well as the good things. 

Her reply was quick. This time she shared the "real stuff" with me - I could tell she felt safe because I'd been honest with her.

We shouldn't share everything with everyone, but we need be "real" with some people in our lives or we become "plastic," impermeable, and lonely. 

If you've ever had someone respond to your honesty with self-righteous advice or know-it-all criticism, you might find this difficult to do.

So ask God who is "safe" when you need a "spiritual hug" because it's Scriptural to "rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn" (Romans 12:15).
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