Okay friends, I have made an observation and wonder what others opinions are on the subject. I believe in honesty, however I also feel sugar coating things is not always bad. I have witnessed a couple of people who say "brutal honesty is important no matter what." Is that really a good idea?
Is it necessary to hurt someone's feelings in the pursuit of honesty? If someone gossips to you about someone else, shouldn't you just stop the person and say that the rumor is not true? Not spreading it is a good thing, but do you really have to go to that person and say "so and so was talking bad about you..." Does it help that person to know that?
I have told people things in confidence that were about myself, only to have them tell someone else. that person came up and told me what had happened. Was that necessary? Did they need to upset me by telling me that the person I trusted was not trustworthy? Yes, I admit, I do not really speak to the first person anymore. But, did person 2 really have my best interest at heart or were they just wanting to start a problem?
Today, I saw another example. A person I know had their feelings hurt badly because someone felt the need to be "brutally honest" with her. I think what you meant was brutally mean. Sure, there may have been an issue, but do we need to address it in such a manner? Can we not state things more gently?
Wasn't Jesus gentle with the truth? The Bible tells us "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another, forgiving each other;as the Lord has forgiven you." (Colossians 3:12-13)
I know this happens to everyone, but I am curious how others feel about this. Isn't gentle always better? Shouldn't we consider the person's feelings first? Shouldn't we stop and think whether what we are going to say will be helpful or hurtful?
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