When I was young, we periodically visited a relative’s house for family reunions. My aunts, on my mom’s side, were huggers and kissers and fond of red lipstick. After arriving and being greeted by them, I looked like I had been in a paintball fight without face protection. I spent the rest of the day trying to wipe the lipstick off my face!

A platonic peck on the cheek from your aunts is one thing; a kiss on the lips is quite another. It is reserved for the one you love. It communicates a deep affection. A kiss on the lips is delivered by your heart. So is an honest answer.

Proverbs 24:26 (NIV)
An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips.

An honest answer is sweet. It’s refreshing to hear someone care enough to speak the truth. An honest answer is strong. It’s not a wishy-washy offering; it means something. An honest answer is clear. It doesn’t beat around the bush. An honest answer stays with you. You remember the words and take them to heart. An honest answer is…well, just like a kiss on the lips.

Father, make us strong and courageous enough to express honest answers. And make us strong and courageous enough to hear them from others and take them to heart. In Jesus’ name. Amen.