Do you remember a summer when you had a special crush on someone? Maybe you met them at a concert, the county or state fair, church camp, or even the local pool.
If so, you probably recall all the steps it took to work up the courage to introduce yourself, go on that first date, and eventually grow into a deeper, more committed relationship. Along the way, there were likely some missteps—at the beginning, the middle, or maybe even near the end. But aren’t you grateful for the time, grace, and perseverance that helped build that bond?
Twenty-one years later, I can say I’m thankful for my wife and all the experiences we’ve shared—well, most of them! Having a life partner to navigate the ups and downs, the challenges and joys, especially the incredible gift of bringing new life into the world, has given my life a depth and richness I can’t imagine living without.
And it’s out of that deep relationship—founded on trust, commitment, and mutual support—that we’ve had to engage in some tough conversations. We’ve had to talk honestly about our needs and hopes, and sometimes those conversations have been hard. But they were necessary.
In today’s reading from 2 Corinthians, we see a shift in Paul’s tone. He is confronting spiritual pride and addressing behaviors in the church that run counter to the message of Christ. How disappointing that must have been for him. And yet, Paul leans into the hard conversation—not out of anger, but out of love. This congregation mattered deeply to him. After all, he had lived among them for 18 months.
Hearing the truth from someone we love can be difficult. But when offered with care, it can lead us to face the root of our struggles—and that’s where transformation begins.
Saint Francis de Sales, who served in a church in France, once wrote this humble prayer: “Well, my poor heart, here we are, fallen into the ditch we had made so firm a resolution to avoid. Oh! Let us rise and leave it forever. Courage! Henceforth, let us be more on our guard. God will help us, we shall do well enough! Amen.”
May we all be open to tough love offered in truth, rooted in relationship, and guided by grace.
Reflection:
- Sometimes it takes a special person in our lives to lovingly point out where we’ve gone off course. Do you have someone like that—a spouse, a close friend, a coworker—who can speak truth to you, even when it’s uncomfortable?
- How have you responded in the past when someone close to you gently confronted your actions, words, or decisions?