Speak the Truth in Love Regardless of the Consequences
- Vernita "Neat" Simmons
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
I will tell the truth, even when it is not what others want to hear. Rather than tell them what they want to hear to keep their friendship.
The Lord has been better than good to me. From my humble beginnings as a little girl reading the Bible to my Big Mama, to being an author with multiple (CBA) Christian Book Awards, I find it an honor to be a Christian. In times such as these, when many see Christianity as irrelevant, our light must shine so that the world sees Christ through us. (Matthew 5:16, AMP). One way the Lord uses me to do this is by encouraging others. They see something in me that I do not even see in myself. Besides, I am not an ordained Pastor, and neither do I want to be one.
In this chaotic world where everybody has their own idea of what truth is, speaking the truth in love is even more vital. It is His commission within the fivefold ministry, found in Ephesians 4:11-15. So, how do you tell somebody the truth when they would rather hear a lie? What benefits would you gain by speaking the truth, though you know some will reject it? Regardless of the consequences, we must teach the truth even when nobody wants to hear it.
Dear One, I am faced with this every time someone come to me for counsel or advice. I found that people enjoy receiving compliments, accolades, and thanks, but they do not want you to tell them the truth. They may get offended, and question your authority, lash out, or stop speaking to you. Still, the question I now ask them is, Do you want me to tell you what you want to hear? Or, do you want me to tell you what you need to hear? What do they need to hear? We all need the truth that sets us free. (John 8:32). Jesus even taught His disciples to continue living according to His Word, assuring them they would experience the truth for themselves.
Besides, 2 Timothy 3:16-17 reminds us that all Scripture is God-breathed. It corrects us when we are wrong, while convicting us of our sin. Scripture trains us to live the way God wants us to live. In other words, it impacts our lives and prepares and equips us to carry out every good work. His correction is for your good and not to harm you, while conviction helps you do what pleases the Lord. So, Dear One, would you rather live in error or obey the will of God?
My Friend, doing this does not always come easily for me. Although I would never compromise my principles to save any relationship, knowing that the Word of knowledge may cause conflict, it comes with a price. However, nothing is worth my refusing to share His Word with them. Besides, if I do not, I will answer to God. Dear One, when God uses you to speak His truth to somebody, do not fear, nor should you hesitate.
Here are a few tips to follow:
Approach them with a humble attitude because it is with love and kindness that we draw others. (Jeremiah 31:3)
Beloved, do not preach to them; however, present the truth with the utmost respect, grace, and dignity. (James 1:19; Proverbs 18:13)
Listen to them without interrupting them and take notes. You are not there to debate scriptures but to present the gospel of Christ. (2 Timothy 2:23).
If they reject it, do not take it personally because they are not rejecting you - they are rejecting His Word the Lord speaks through you. Like God did for Moses, who felt his disability hindered him. Still, it was Moses’s words they heard coming from his brother Aaron’s mouth. Every spoken Word of God came to pass. (1 Peter 2:4; Isaiah 53:3; Exodus 4:1-14).
Everybody needs the truth, not some fancy words to make them feel good. Making the unpopular decision may not garner you immediate recognition, but it will make a profound difference. A lie may travel faster, but the truth still sets us free. Dear One, the Word of God has the power to transform lives, purify our hearts, and open our eyes to His truth, which leads us from darkness to the light.
I pray, Truth Is, by Danny Gokey, helps you realize that once you know what the truth is and apply it, you will never be the same.
TIME FOR REFLECTION: Why do we find it harder to receive correction and wise counsel than to take responsibility for our actions? How has this message helped you to embrace truth? Let's encourage one another and talk about it in the comments below.
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