Adapted from Day 21 of A Merry Heart, A Happy Home by Serena Mojela. Teaching and prompts are condensed for this website.
Read and reflect
Read the Scripture passages listed above in your Bible, including the surrounding verses for context. Then take a moment with these thoughts.
In Day 21, Serena reflects on learning that honesty also needs timing, tone, and love. A valid concern can still be expressed harshly. Listening first, pausing before a response, and choosing a good moment help us communicate truth with care. Recognising frustration early can make room for a different response.
A question to sit with
Have you confused bluntness with truthfulness? What does anger tempt you to say? How could you express the same concern with respect?
A step for today
When it is safe, practise naming how you feel, what happened, and the conversation you would like to have. If you need a moment to settle, say so before returning to the discussion.
Take this with you
I can be honest without being harsh.
From the devotional’s “Take this with you” section. This is Serena’s reflection, not a Bible quotation.