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so that you may approve the things that are superior and may be pure and blameless in the day of Christ – Philippians 1:10

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Paul instructs Philippians to test and approve the things that are superior. We are called to test the spirits; to grow in every kind of discernment, and to approve the things that are superior (Phil. 1:9-10). Not all things are good for us. We learn from others by approving/disapproving.

Being kind does not equal people-pleaser. Kindness does not approve everything – it tests everything and knows how to say “no” without offending others. Honesty is kind. It takes grace to present the truth without making others feel bad, offended, angry, or disappointed. Kindness and honesty make the truth pleasant.

Thoughts to ponder on: Have you say “yes” to things you were not happy about just to look kind in front of others? Can you think of other ways in which you could use honesty and kindness and say “no” without making them feel bad? Next time you face similar situation, use this experience as a reminder as to how to treat others with respect and still disapprove the things that are not good for you.

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Father, in the name of Jesus, help me use the gift of discernment and give me the grace to disapprove with kindness and honesty. Amen. Thank you, Holy Spirit.

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