Sharing the truth can hurt, but a good friend does this

by Pastor Aron Wells –

A good friend is someone who tells you the truth, even if you don’t want to hear it. To be honest, I like having friends that tell me what I want to hear. I like having friends that think like I do and who back up the things I value and believe. I don’t always like friends who tell me things that I don’t want to hear – especially if they speak the truth.

There is a gruesome story in the Bible. It’s in Mark chapter 6. King Herod Antipas has a guilty conscience. He is married to his brother’s wife. He is a ruler who is struggling with a lack of self-confidence, self-control and self-worth.

John the Baptist has conversations with Herod. These are face-to-face, but also likely public conversations.

John tells Herod that it’s not right for him to be married to his brother’s wife. (Mark 6:18) As bad as this made him feel, Herod admired John. (Mark 6:20) Herod’s wife, Herodias, who was also his brother Philip’s wife, was furious about being called out by the wild-haired prophet of God. (Mark 6:19) Herodias nursed that grudge against John until she had an opportunity to take revenge…