I was having a conversation with a friend about how I know this person with a huge blind spot in their lives that will come back and hurt them later.  Then this thought shot through my head, “You have those places in your life too.” 

Everyone has issues that they are not addressing adequately.  One reason God puts his people into a community is so that we can help each other see our shortcomings.  We need to be able to speak the truth to one another to keep from mistakes.  I need you, and you need me. 

This type of relationship with others requires two things.  First, we need to be kindhearted in our assessment.  Your information will only help me if it is coming from a place of compassion and concern.  Angry instructions are worse than no help whatsoever. 

Second, you must be willing to be honest, even if it stings a little.  You must value my life as much as our friendship.  We often withhold information because we know that if we say something, it might damage the friendship.  We want a friend so much that we ignore the issues and never speak the truth.  

One goal in Christian relationships is to bring people around you who love and support you enough to tell you when you are making mistakes.  People like that are rare because it is much easier to talk honestly ABOUT someone than TO that same person.