When someone is in the midst of conflict, either with a spouse, a child, a parent, co-worker, employee, employer, company, church, or a friend, the picture they paint of the conflict doesn’t accurately reflect the whole situation. The portion that is painted is tainted by only what that person wants me to know and the inferences they want me to make. It is the truth, but it is not the whole truth. So the conclusions I draw from their brush are defective, and therefore, any advice I give is fragmented and potentially damaging not only to them, but to the other person or persons involved in the situation, and perhaps even to myself.
The picture above is a portion of the picture below. If I saw only the picture above, I would be deceived and any assumptions I make as a result of the first picture would not be accurate.
I am so glad that Jesus tells me the whole truth. He doesn’t deceive me with partial truths for there is no lie in Him – no deception – no fraud. I can count on the picture He painted for me in His Word.
Lord, help me to live a life not based on painting pictures of deception for others, but live longing to always get to the truth, even if it is uncomfortable for me. Because I know in that place of vulnerability for me, in that place of weakness – You show Yourself strong in my life and I am changed to more accurately reflect Your characteristics. Help me not to believe partial truths about other people so that I am colored to draw inaccurate conclusions, but to listen with a compassionate heart and minister only Your truth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.