The Best Policy

God has blessed me with some amazing friendships.  These people literally support me, through a night eating our favorite frozen yogurt and watching She's the Man (huge Amanda Bynes fan), calling just to see how I’m doing, or a quick text reminding me that I am loved.  To constantly know that you’re appreciated and that you have people around loving you…what more could you ask for?

I had an amazing day with a relatively new friend.  Our first time on hanging out one-on-one, and we spent at least six hours in meaningful conversation…how often does that happen?  We mostly talked about our relationships with others and how we could help them to develop and grow in the best way.  And you know what we came up with?

Those that have stood the test of time have (at least) one crucial thing in common – they all value honesty.  Telling the truth can take many forms – constructive criticism, a behavioral intervention, or recounting some of your life’s experiences.  It’s ok to be vulnerable with them; you can trust them to proceed with that new information in a wise way because you’ve been honest with them, and they’ve been honest with you.

Beginning a new relationship on anything but honesty sets it up to fail.  The same goes for your (and my) relationship with Jesus.  He loves you (me).  He wants to know you (me).  He wants to hear you (me) talk with him and love Him in return.  If you can do that, He will bless you in unimaginable ways.

So be honest with Jesus, be honest with your friends, and certainly be honest with yourself.  It’s always the best policy.