Plato once said, “No one is more hated than he who speaks the truth.” If we really care about our society, about our friends, then there will be times when we must speak the truth even when we know they don’t want to hear it.
Recently a friend did that for me. He lovingly took me aside and shared with me some things I needed to hear. He did this knowing it might not be received well. That our friendship may be hurt or even broken because of it. And I’m thankful he cared enough to share the truth with me.
Would you allow your friend to go out in public if you knew his pants were unzipped? Would you allow them to drink something that you knew had been poisoned? These are easy decisions because they won’t harm your friendship. But would you talk to them about their immoral behavior if it were needed? Would you tell them the truth if they were in a toxic relationship? That they have a drinking problem, a drug addiction, an out-of-control temper. That they are lazy and refuse to work.
In Galatians 4:16 the Apostle Paul said, “Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth?” He was informing the Galatian Christians that false teachers were leading them astray from the true Gospel. They were slipping back into their old traditions. Paul was reminding them that there is only one Gospel (Galatians 1:6-9). This is one truth many today hate to hear. They believe there are many ways to God. But the “Truth” is there is only one way and that way is Jesus Christ (John 14:6).
Friend, be careful on what you let the world tell you is truth. There are many false teachers in our world that will try and convince you that you can live anyway you want and still go to heaven. There are many who teach that God is Love, and therefore will not punish anyone. There are others that say there is no hell. These are all lies.
I say this knowing that some find me offensive and close minded. But being concerned that you’ll damage a relationship should never keep you from saying something that needs to be said. However, telling the truth doesn’t give anyone a license to be ugly or mean. Or to look down their nose. Before you share your truth make sure it is “The Truth” and not “Your Opinion.” And if you are convinced it’s the truth, then be sure to speak in love (1 John 4:7-12). Remember you can be right and still be wrong by how you share the truth. Ugly words, and unholy attitudes and outright meanness and judgmental attitudes have done more harm to the Church than anything else. Yes, we must stand for truth, but be sure when you do, you don’t become the very thing that drives them away because of your actions. Actions speak louder than words, and that’s the truth. Live what you teach.
