Speaking The Truth In Love

We live in a world that is “Results Oriented”, which plays into extreme scenarios of pragmatism. Now in fairness there are a few (very few) instances where pragmatism can be exercised with wisdom and justice, but those are the exceptions not the rule. Most “Pragmatic Practitioner’s” operate in default, only considering the truth when it fits their agenda.

In the Gospels, Jesus numerous times informs and instructs His followers to Love; Paul in 1 Corinthians 13, sums up the importance and necessity of Love, but bear in mind that Love, never replaces Truth, it supports Truth, and in every fashion is Truth.

As Christians (if we follow the Truth in obedience), there are no options; we either lie, or we tell the truth! Withheld truth is not telling the whole truth! Partial truth is not the truth! The “serpent”, Satan himself did this in the Garden of Eden! A partial and/or withheld truth is still a lie! Deception in any manner is actually a lie. There cannot be “white lies” because a lie is still a lie, and is still inspired by the “Father of all lies”, Satan himself!

The fact is: Speaking the truth IS Love! We don’t have to be antagonistic in our delivery; we don’t have to judge in our statement of Truth! We do however have a requirement to always speak the truth, regardless of the outcome and consequences! For the Christian (especially pastors and teachers), avoiding the Truth is never an option, rather consistently speaking the Truth is a requirement.

I realize that I just offended a significant group of “Christians”, but that’s what Truth does. The messenger, takes the heat, but the Truth stands on its own. The Truth clearly spoken, in and of itself has the ability to expose, judge and convict if properly, and does not require any assistance to do so, but the messenger will take the heat, because in a fallen world, a world that constantly seeks approval and validation for its sin; Truth is anything but popular.

While we should be always “speaking the Truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15), realize that not speaking the Truth, is anything but loving! Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father, but by Me”. Jesus gave us but two options, to accept or reject Him, the Truth.

We need to hold each other accountable to the Truth, even when it hurts; to do so is to love, and Jesus said we would be known for our love one to another.

Something to meditate on……Have a blessed day!