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There are moments in life we will never forget. Some of those moments have become memorable in our lives because they might be considered a big accomplishment or a milestone. There are other moments we would like to forget because they are considered shameful experiences that did not help us at all to end our day on a high note.

There are different stories we can relate to based on those moments. Stories in which the answer has been, “I wish you would have told me…”

…That moment when I had a pink lipstick on my teeth and it was there the entire meeting.

…When I went to the restroom during a meeting break and I left with toilet paper hanging from my shoes.

…While having lunch and the spaghetti sauce plastered my cheeks well after I left the table.

We need to rely on each other. As church leaders who run from one meeting to the next it is important we support each other. We might consider a particular support to be minimal from our perspective, but from another it could be important and even taken as a priority.

We sometimes are worried that by telling the truth we will be hurting somebody’s feelings. Let’s pause for a second. Are we worried what the outcome will be by telling the truth? Are we worried about how uncomfortable telling the truth will be? Or are we worried about what will come next after sharing our thoughts, points of view or even our simple life experiences with others?

I have been reminded of Ephesians 4:15, “Instead, by speaking the truth with love, let’s grow in every way into Christ.” Our lives as church leaders cannot be compartmentalized. Even though we have multiple roles in the life of the church and personally, we continue being leaders. The importance of supporting one another is crucial so that our outcomes have positive results. Not just for us, but for all the people of God.

And even as we try our best to understand particular moments we have experienced, there will not be a clear explanation. Our lives are built on moments. As creatures of God we have the opportunity to make a decision which of those moments that are part of our lives we wish to highlight. We also have the opportunity to decide which of the moments of our lives we want to let pass by or leave unnoticed.

Recently, I went with my kids to the bus stop and a young girl told me right then and there that I had some grass on my blazer. She immediately took it off. I was so thankful she told me right away what was wrong so I could look impeccable while going to work. I really had a re-affirmation from this life experience that children always say the truth.

Let’s learn from children the importance of saying what is true and right. When a child tells us what they believe is right to tell, we should take it with love because it was shared with love. As soon as that moment of truth takes place, a door opens wide because our relationships are going to be based on truth.

For some, it will be a little step in the life of the church, even trivial, to share a truth. For others, it may be a huge process that will be reflected in the growth we all want as human beings, as Christ followers and as church leaders. Growth is more than what we see as part of the results. Sharing truth with love, even when it is difficult, is part of our growth as people of God.

Simply sharing our honesty with love will give us a new perspective. It also gives us a new life experience, not just for us but also for all the people we have an interactions with.

Please, tell me the truth, will you?