1 Corinthians 13:6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
“Bitter Truths of Life – You can’t change the truth but truth can change you.”— T D Jakes.
Love always speaks the truth. It cannot rejoice in evil plans, plots or ploys. Love will never watch someone make a wrong decision and go down the path of destruction with folded hands. Even if it would mar their reputation or relationship, they would advise and influence the backslider.
The religious leaders struggled to accept the teachings of Jesus and opposed Him as He spoke the truth. While the truth nourished the souls of the common people it made the learned scholars indignant. “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32). The goodnews that was preached by Jesus in love liberated, delivered and healed the peasant but offended the Pharisee. When He saw the crowds, He felt compassion for them, because they were weary and worn out, like sheep without a shepherd (Matthew 9:36). Jesus saw the crowd as a malnourished flock of sheep that was starving on a bunch of dead lies. The truth of God’s Word is still alive and impacts, influences and invigorates us, even today.
Unfortunately we notice that truth is delivered insolently by social media and even in spiritual circles. It butchers the self-esteem of the receiver hence is unable to enlighten their darkened soul. Many FaceBook posts or placards of the protesters damage the truth brutally. Love does not tolerate lies, deceit or fabricated facts but it is also not harsh, brash or rash.
The trustworthy speak the truth in love:
1. Trust: Love can never withhold truth from the ones who trust them. Faithful are the wounds of a friend [who corrects out of love and concern], But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful [because they serve his hidden agenda] (Proverbs 27:6). Test the advice and the adviser. If what is spoken is the truth and comes from a person who is genuine and honest, never shun it. Trust a truthful friend, not the flowery flatterer.
- Taste: Truth will not taste good to the tongue but will heal the body when it gets to the gut. “Lies are sweet poison that kills you later, while truth is a bitter medicine that saves you in the long run”. Problem is not with the truth but the tongue that tastes it. Let our taste buds be truth tolerant.
- Truth: When you love someone, they deserve to know the truth. Be bold to speak the truth but never be brash. Speak the truth with benevolence. “Without love there is no truth and without truth there is no love – Joe Cervantes”. Slather love over truth before serving it.
Love and truth are inseparable twin siblings. Speak the truth in love.
1 Corinthians 16:14 Do everything in love.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, give me the confidence and the courage to speak the truth in love and receive the truth that will enlighten and enlarge my territory. Make me truth tolerant and anoint my tongue to speak the truth in love. Amen.
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