Speaking The Truth...In Love.
Yes, it can be very frustrating to know a rather useful truth and, yet, telling it to deaf ears. Especially when that truth would help their lives, or afterlives, immensely.
"Why tell it at all?"
Sure, many tell what they see out of pride. They just want to belittle the one who is wrong, in order to elevate themselves.
I've even met a man who would print out his online arguments, to show how clever he was in trashing his foolish opponents, and this was done at a men's prayer meeting!
Not all who "see" see.
When you care about others, just a wee bit more than you care about how impressive you are, telling truth becomes something more. It's not about impressive. It's about offering help.
This is easy, especially when that truth changed your life, and outlook for the better. It's like food to a starving man. Drink to a dehydrated woman. Life to someone who is dying.
"But many don't want help."
That's because they are blind. They just cannot see without a miracle.
Matthew 15:13-14
12. Then the disciples came to him and asked, "Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this?"
13. He replied, "Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be pulled up by the roots.
14. Leave them; they are blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit."
Ephesians 4:11-15
11. It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers,
12. to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up
13. until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
14. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming.
15. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.
Matthew 7:1-6
1. "Do not judge, or you too will be judged.
2. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
3. "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?
4. How can you say to your brother, `Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?
5. You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.
6. "Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces.
We would be heartless to hide truth, especially if that truth will save those around us. But arguing to the point of anger is not going to "heal" blind eyes. It only serves self, by feeding a need to win.
Ah, but if winning, is finding truth, well, where would the reason for the anger be?
What is our motive? Is it to elevate us, or them? Is it to build a following, or save just one person?
Yes, it's a heart matter. One that cannot be judged externally...for the most part. Yes, printing a discussion to show others how impressive you are, is kind of obvious. However, many fain hurt or insult, to manipulate others the same way. "Oh, I tried, I gave it my best, but they were just not able to grasp what I know..."
This is just as arrogant.
God reveals truth. This is a big deal. If your unsaved friend can't see who Jesus really is, it is not because they are stupid, or because you presented the truth poorly. It isn't about you! It never was.
Luke 18:34
34. The disciples did not understand any of this. Its meaning was hidden from them, and they did not know what he was talking about.
Hidden, by God, not by man.
Romans 9:16
"Speak the truth in love". "Love is patient, love is kind... "
Yes, we need to tell others the truth, but we must always be careful to check our own hearts.
Otherwise, we may find ourselves to be just as blind.
Ephesians 13:5
5. Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you--unless, of course, you fail the test?
Faith is in Jesus, not ourselves. If we are elevated, it is by our works, for faith will always humbly recognize that seeing truth comes from God alone. It is a gift we never deserved.
That's a truth you can see...well, unless you are blind.
