NEIL ANDERSON DAILY DEVOTIONAL
from Freedom in Christ Ministries

October 8

Being Emotionally Honest

Speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into
Him, who is the head, even Christ (Ephesians 4:15).

You can guard your intimate relationships by monitoring how you
verbally express your emotions to them. For example, you’re having a
terrible day at the office, so you call home and say to your wife,
"Honey, I’m having a bear of a day. I won’t be home until about
6:00 p.m. and I have a meeting at church at 7:00. Could you have dinner
ready when I get home?"

When you hit the front door you discover that your wife doesn’t have
dinner ready as you’d hoped. "For crying out loud," you blaze
at her, "I wanted dinner ready at six o’clock! That’s why I called
you!" Is your wife really the cause of your emotional outburst? Not
really. You had a terrible day and you’re tired, hungry and stressed
out. It’s not her fault. Anything could have set you off. You could have
just as easily kicked the dog.

Rather than level your wife, why not be emotionally honest? When it
comes to acknowledging emotions with your inner circle, honesty is the
best policy. But be sure to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15).

Another important guideline for acknowledging and expressing your
emotions is to know your limitations. Be aware that if you’re on the
edge emotionally–angry, tense, anxious, depressed–it’s not a good time
to make decisions on important issues. Your emotions may push you to
resolve what you’re struggling with, but you may regret your resolution
if you push too hard. You’re going to say things you’ll later regret.
Somebody’s going to get hurt. You’re far better off to recognize your
emotional limits and say, "If we keep talking I’m going to get
angry. May we continue this discussion at another time?"

Being emotionally honest lets others off the hook. When you honestly
convey how you feel, others know you are not primarily mad at them and
that the problem is not their fault. They can also love you better by
meeting the needs you express.

This daily devotional is published and distributed by
http://www.GOSHEN.net/ . It is written by Neil Anderson at
http://www.freedominchrist.com/ .