When you have to deliver hard news

“Speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.”

Ephesians 4:15 · ESV

God, I have to say something that will land hard. Keep me from softening it into confusion or sharpening it into cruelty. Give me words that are clear, kind, and true, and the steadiness to stay in the room after I say them. Let the person on the other side feel respected, even if they do not feel relieved. Amen.

One step: Write the one sentence they most need to hear. Lead with it.