Monday, September 21, 2026

Bible in a Year Reading Plan: Song of Songs 5-6 | 1 Timothy 6

Ephesians 4:15
Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ...

Nobody really enjoys having difficult conversations.

It's much easier to avoid them. We tell ourselves it's not a big deal, we'll let it go, or things will improve on their own. Sometimes they do. But sometimes the hurt stays, and every interaction after that feels a little different. 

That's when difficult conversations start to matter. If we're serious about fighting for our relationships, we have to be willing to speak up for them too.

Jesus understood this, because in Matthew 18:15, he says: "If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back."

This is simple but challenging guidance: When there's a problem between you and someone else, talk to them. Don't gossip about it. Don't gather people who will take your side. Go to the person you’re struggling with.

That sounds easy enough - until you actually have to do it.

What do you say? How do you bring it up without making things worse? What if they get defensive? What if you're nervous? What if you're not even sure you're completely right?

Those are real questions, and I've had them myself more times than I'd like to admit. Even then, having the conversation doesn't guarantee that everything will suddenly be fixed.

But it does give the relationship a chance.

We see this when Jesus meets Peter after Peter's painful denial (John 21:15-17). Jesus doesn't ignore what happened, but he also doesn't use it to shame Peter. He brings it into the open and gives Peter a path toward restoration.

That's what speaking the truth in love can do. It can create space for honesty, understanding, forgiveness, and growth.

Fighting for a relationship means being willing to go first. Not to prove your point. Not to make the other person feel guilty. Go first because you care enough about the relationship to have the conversation.

You don't have to know exactly what to say. You just have to be willing to take the first step today.

Questions:
What fears or assumptions might be holding you back from having a difficult conversation?

How could taking the first step change the trajectory of your relationship?

Next Steps:
Identify a relationship where you sense distance, tension, or unresolved hurt, and initiate a conversation with the person, focusing on honesty and love rather than blame.

Listen actively to their perspective, and seek understanding.

Be open to forgiveness and restoration, regardless of the outcome.

Prayer:
God, give me the courage to speak truth in love. Grant me wisdom, humility, and grace as I seek to restore my relationships. Help me trust you with the outcome. I love you, I trust you, and I worship you. Amen.

Series Theme Verse:
Ephesians 4:15
Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. 

Written by Lori Tuckerman, Director of Content at CedarCreek Church.