Chaplains’ Chat

There are times in life when we all need to hear some hard truths. Sometimes these could be reflections from a coach, a teacher, a parent or even a trusted friend. With most of our boys getting exam results back, these will sometimes reflect some hard truths about how they have gone! However, we also need to remember that so often, these hard truths are delivered in the context of love and friendship. I remember receiving some hard truths from a friend, and while they were difficult to hear, as I reflected on his words, I came to realise that they were entirely true. I knew they were coming from a position of friendship and genuine concern, which meant that I was even more grateful in hearing about these things.

Even Jesus was happy to give some hard truths to those around him. In one such instance, a rich young man came up to Jesus to ask him what good thing he must do to receive eternal life (Mark 10:17-31). The hard truth that Jesus eventually gets to with this young man is that he can’t do it himself! As ‘good’ as this man obviously was, Jesus wanted him to realise that he needed God’s forgiveness in his life. In many ways, this is a hard truth for us to hear. And yet coming from Jesus, who is trustworthy and genuinely concerned for every one of us, we also see that God graciously provides for us. As we celebrate another Christmas this year, we see that God has provided the saviour in Jesus. Initially, a hard truth for us to hear, but one in which gives us great joy and comfort.

Rev Anthony Benn
Chaplain