This week we’re spending some time with Jesus’ words in Luke 6:31: “Do to others as you would have them do to you.”

It’s the principle of moral reciprocity. Living it out is a life-long effort.

To fight against the tendency to oversimply this high ethical calling, we’re taking some time to think through a few specific examples and how they might apply to our lives. Here’s another.

I think it’s safe to say that we want other people to be honest with us, but in a way that is sensitive. In other words, we like it when people are honest, but we don’t like it when they’re harsh or cutting in the process.

After all, there is usually more to a situation than you think, and people are usually dealing with more than you think. So think.

The truth is good—but delivered with grace and humility, not knives and arrogance.

It follows, therefore, that we should be honest with the people around us, but in a way that is sensitive to their situation—not harsh or cutting, but with the gentleness that Paul calls a “fruit of the Spirit” in Galatians 5:23.

As you go about your day, and as you seek to be faithful in the footsteps of Jesus, do unto others…

Be honest, but in a way that is sensitive.

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–Bible quotes are from the NIV.

–To hear the full sermon this devotional is related to click here. It’s called “Falling, failing and faith in the footsteps of Jesus.”