Every thought and feeling we have does not need to be shared. While we don’t want to lie or be deceptive, there is wisdom in filtering what we express. This allows us to truly bless others and not curse them or burden them with issues that are not for them to carry.
To be sure, we should strive for open, honest, and transparent relationships with others. And certainly, those in our inner circle have the right and privilege to access the backstage parts of our life. We rob ourselves of relational depth and power when we don’t allow ourselves to be naked and without shame in each other’s presence. And there’s often much more of ourselves to discover and share with each other.
At the same time, this doesn’t mean everything needs to be shared without an appropriate filter in place. And this filter is one of love.
Does sharing this thought allow us to practice loving God and loving others as self?
Many initial thoughts and interactions with others are not grounded in love. Perhaps pride, anger, envy, or the like fuels our initial feelings, and sharing from this heart attitude would not promote love. It’s wise and loving in these moments to filter our initial reactions to one that is more kind, patient, and truly promotes the good of the other.
It’s not okay to be raw, authentic, and unfiltered when this causes us to sin against each other.
Of course, this doesn’t mean we have to hold back on sharing hard truths. There’s a place for difficult conversations and disrupting the status quo. But such actions must still be grounded in love.
In the end, be open, honest, and transparent every chance you get. And remember to filter everything you share through love. Our words should bring life and goodness to others, and not pain and division.
Photo by Habib Dadkhah on Unsplash
