"We are so afraid to offend, so afraid of stark truth, that we write delicately, not honestly." Amy Carmichael
Amy sure never minced words! It's something I really admire about her.Jesus never minced words either. He wasn't afraid to call people out.
Literally call people out of themselves and to Him.
He knows our hearts.
Here Jesus speaks truth honestly in love.
He basically tells the Pharisees, they do not know the God they proclaim and then proceeds to call them liars!
Did he offend the Pharisees with this truth? Yes, to the point they wanted to kill him.
The Pharisees asked:
"Are You greater than our father Abraham, who is dead? And the prophets are dead. Who do You make Yourself out to be?'
Jesus answered, 'If I honor Myself, My honor is nothing. It is My Father who honors Me, of whom you say that He is your God.
Yet you have not known Him, but I know Him. And if I say, ‘I do not know Him,’ I shall be a liar like you; but I do know Him and keep His word.
'Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad.'
Then the Jews said to Him, 'You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?'
Jesus said to them, 'Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.'
Then they took up stones to throw at Him; but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by." John 8:52-58
Here's another great quote from Amy Carmichael:
"To hide the truth is no less falsehood than to spread error."
I agree with Amy, when we share only half truths, so we don't offend, we are just spreading falsehoods. Have you ever been politically correct so that you wouldn't offend someone? I believe God is grieved when we sugarcoat the truth and just as much grieved when we share the truth without love.
Paul urges us to walk in truth:
"We have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God." 2 Corinthians 4:2
And to speak truth in love:
"...we should no longer be
children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of
doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful
plotting,
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Great post! Something I have also noticed, while I have studied this topic, is that Jesus spoke much more harshly (in speaking the truth in love) to religious persons - persons who should know better. He was much more gentle with the lost. It was a good realization for me!
ReplyDeleteYes, I totally agree! Either way He speaks in love to bring us to Him. : )
DeleteThanks for stopping by!
Cathy, this is so true. Our society is so touchy about Christians being haters...so Christians have backed down speaking into the truth of matters. This is a great post to reflect on. Stopping by from Thriving Thursday. Have a great weekend!
ReplyDelete<>< Cathy
Thanks for stopping by Cathy and have a great weekend too! : )
DeleteCathy, I agree with the importance of speaking truth. I also believe we should be kind and respectful. Speaking the truth with love and being willing to listen to understand. I think we have the best opportunity to glorify God when we lovingly allow Him to speak through His Word. Great thoughts. Thanks for linking this at CMB.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully said Deb. God's kindness leads us to repentance, so we should follow and be kind towards others also. We are called to share God's truth, not tear down others beliefs. His truth is what sets us free.
DeleteThanks for stopping by and commenting! : )
Speaking truth in love is so important. Christians should stress we hate the sin but pray for and love sinners. Thanks for a thought provoking post.
ReplyDeleteGlad you stopped by Mary and thank-you for your comment. : )
DeleteHi Cathy, great post and so true! Speaking truth in love is necessary, however difficult at times. We are neighbors this week at the Weekend Brew! Glad I had the chance to stumble upon these encouraging words this morning. I needed it. Be blessed :-)
ReplyDeleteGlad my post could encourage you today Tiffany. And thanks for stopping by and following! : )
DeleteCathy, thank you for this post. It's so important that we learn to speak the truth in love. Jesus had a way of bringing the sinner to his knees, but with gentleness and compassion. Oh there were times for the firm rebuke, but I'd much rather love others into the Kingdom. Thanks for sharing at The Weekend Brew!
ReplyDelete