Sun 9:30a Class; 10:30a Worship; 11:35a Communion
Bible Bites
Speak Truth
SPEAK THE TRUTH
“These are the things which you should do: speak the truth to one another; judge with truth and judgment for peace in your gates.” (Zechariah 8:16)
Only speak truth – what a novel idea. Seems like everyone is comfortable with lies nowadays. People lie to get ahead, to look better, to stay out of trouble, to make friends… we even lie to be “polite”.
The problem with dishonesty is telling lies becomes a habit that is hard to break. This is true for individuals, and it is true for societies (which are just large groups of individuals). The more we become comfortable with lies, the less important truth becomes and the harder it is to differentiate between facts and fiction.
It’s hard to live in a world where you don’t know who to trust. It’s like being in a storm without an anchor to hold you. There’s no peace without truth.
Of course, the opposite is also true. Know truth, and it brings peace with it. Jesus says, “know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” When we embrace honesty, we don’t have to worry about what we are going to say because we just say what is true (not to mention you don’t have to be anxious about keeping your story straight!).
Honesty frees us from hiding our vulnerability, and it also anchors us in reality. The truth sets you free from playing the politically correct game, too. If it is good – say so. If it is evil – say that, too. Pretty simple, right?
Speaking truth will also keep you from saying foolish, hurtful things in anger or denying our Lord in moments of fear. Truth becomes a buffer of protection against the momentary impulses of emotion. Train your brain to speak truth, and the habit will override the emotion reflexively.
The truth is so uncommon that it becomes a powerful beacon of light to influence in a sea of milk-toast speech. Speak the truth to your neighbor – it’s the loving thing to do.
