The hope enjoyed in simply being honest with one another

Photo by Cole Hutson on Unsplash

THERE seems to be two realities at play in life; experience oblivious to suffering, and its opposite — where we’re put in touch with suffering.

What can we do when life seems such an irretrievable struggle?

There are many answers to God questions we would like to give. But many just don’t hold up to truth one hundred percent of the time. How God works with genuine consistency, however, is through the Body ministry — through our willingness to spend time with one another being honest.

“And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

— Hebrews 10:24-25 (NRSV)

As we meet together, being real in our experience of suffering, hearing the other person out in theirs, allowing one other to share, free of judgment or advice, we encourage each other. We talk about what worked for us if we think it might help. Not what the other should do. We avoid contradictions of cliché. And we listen into the Voice of the Holy Spirit’s leading, being careful and diligent to surrender to the air many things we could say.

Meeting together has no benefit if we can’t be honest. And no truth that is experienced is wrong. Every perception of reality belongs. There is only encouragement when we can share our intimate and real experience.

We may be new creations in Christ, but we’re also still sinners living in a broken world. Christ gives us brothers and sisters in the faith for mutual encouragement.

When we can be honest in speaking of our struggles, within a listening environment free of judgment, encouragement and hope are ours.

Realistically, the only way through difficulties is the satisfaction of the search — to unearth resources that get us through the day. Our friends in the faith are a primary resource. There is verily no better sharpening:

“As iron sharpens iron,
so too can a friend sharpen the spirituality of a friend.”

— Proverbs 27:17 (my paraphrase)