Transparency

How can they know your love if you don't share yourself?

by Paul Faulkner (03/10/2006) | Special Features

We loved you very much. So we were happy to share God’s Good News with you; but not only that — we were also happy to share even our own lives with you. (1 Thessalonians 2:8 ERV)
Only then can you truly know your love.

A window lets light shine through, and allows us to see what might otherwise be hidden. This is what transparency is all about — letting the real self be seen. It’s unwise to share our innermost thoughts indiscriminately, but the greater tragedy would be to never allow that real self to be known. Especially by the one with whom we share our lives!

Sharing regularly with another person is a deep expression of love and confidence. Listening regularly to one another as a trustworthy friend is hard to come by also. But transparency provides the only window that allows you to see truly who you really are! When some trusted other person really knows you — no secrets, no pretenses, no put-ons — and still loves you, only then can you truly know your love.

About the Author

Dr. Faulkner was the very first person of note and influence who shared his content with us at HEARTLIGHT.org beginning in 1996.

Paul Faulkner taught on the Abilene Christian University campus full-time for 35 years. He was honored in 1982 as the university’s Teacher of the Year. He has written several books and was a much sought-after speaker and seminar leader along with his Marriage Enrichment partner, Dr. Carl Brecheen. Dr. Faulkner mentored many ministers and church leaders, shared his loving homespun humor and wisdom through many channels, and endeared himself to thousands. Our dear friend and mentor went to be with the Lord in 2022, but his legacy lives on in the lives of those he touched and made better.