Better is open rebuke
than hidden love.
Wounds from a friend can be trusted,
but an enemy multiplies kisses.
Proverbs 27:5-6
Here we have two fundamental aspects of human relationships, honesty and trust. These two aspects are closely intertwined and without one there cannot be much of the other. Now, what is most commonly seen in personal interactions is the opposite of these two behaviors. Typically, we see how people treat one another with dishonesty and mistrust. The dishonesty comes from our sinful and carnal nature and also from the seed of lying that the enemy has planted in our minds. Many times we conceal our true feelings to pretend that all is well in a relationship. This is but a lie disguised as tolerance that eventually becomes unmanageable and ends up in an outburst of incalculable consequences. Mistrust stems from our own experiences and the methods used by our parents to bring us up. We were taught to be individualistic, not to trust each other because our merits could be stolen, etc.
The solution is not, of course, to trust everyone or to say to anybody the first thing that goes through our minds. As rational beings, we must act with caution and be careful not to offend the sensibilities of others. You have to express your feelings, but you must know how to mention a concern and when to mention it. We must not keep in our heart disagreements and misunderstandings, especially among friends. When these things are accumulated, they end up becoming a bitter root. Let us seek the solution in the transforming power of Christ, who teaches us how to act properly with our neighbor. Let us seek support in the loving arms of our Lord and let us be transformed by the renewing of our mind under the power of God. To God alone be the glory!
Hope for All 