Speaking the Truth in Love - Why I’m writing this blog Mar 15, 2017
I, Holly, started this blog because I am utterly amazed at the viciousness of people’s reactions - on both sides of the border, since November’s election!! I thought, “What would Jesus think about all this?” He certainly did not shy away from controversy, but He taught that when we speak, we should speak the truth in LOVE.
Paul brought it home to us in 1 Cor 13:1 (NIV) “If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.” Because Jesus is the Truth, we are called to speak in such a way that it sets people free.
Words are often used as weapons and to prove our point, or make us better than someone else. Or, we allow ourselves to be shut down because of political correctness.
I have always been one to speak my mind, but just because I might think I’m right, doesn’t mean other people will think that! BUT if I share my opinions with love and curtesy, and listen to their thoughts, we can actually have a DIALOGUE! and who knows, we might both learn something!! :)
I am a firm believer in “the Truth will set you free,” and if there is Truth being spoken, and I want Truth, then there will be a witness, and I would be smart to listen!
Christians can play an important part in real communication happening at this crazy time.
Jim Denison, speaks and writes on cultural and contemporary issues. In his column “Texas Congressmen Driving to DC Go Viral” https://www.denisonforum.org/?utm_source=Cultural+Commentary&utm_campaign=ead6f2781b-Texas+congressmen+driving+to+DC+go+viral&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_51f776a552-ead6f2781b-273466309&mc_cid=ead6f2781b&mc_eid=5b258397ae , he wrote: “We are commanded to defend our beliefs ‘with gentleness and respect’ (1 Peter 3:15) by ‘speaking the truth in love’ (Ephesians 4:15). The greater our opposition, the greater our opportunity.”
Light shines in the darkness!
Shane Claiborne is a social activist, advocating for nonviolence and service to the poor. He put it well when he said, “…There are lots of people speaking the truth with no love, and there are a lot of people talking about love without much truth.”
The Church has the Truth. We HAVE to speak out. But it is not going to do anyone any good if we are just as angry as the people we are talking to. Can we show the difference that Jesus makes when He comes to live inside? Can we love our enemies and pray for those who despitefully use us (see my blog “Love Your Enemies Pt 1 http://hollymroddam.blogspot.com/)? Can we show the way forward by speaking the truth with respect, giving dignity to others, and rising above to love our enemies?
I for one will be trying.
I, Holly, started this blog because I am utterly amazed at the viciousness of people’s reactions - on both sides of the border, since November’s election!! I thought, “What would Jesus think about all this?” He certainly did not shy away from controversy, but He taught that when we speak, we should speak the truth in LOVE. Paul brought it home to us in 1 Cor 13:1 (NIV) “If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.” Because Jesus is the Truth, we are called to speak in such a way that it sets people free.
Words are often used as weapons and to prove our point, or make us better than someone else. Or, we allow ourselves to be shut down because of political correctness.
I have always been one to speak my mind, but just because I might think I’m right, doesn’t mean other people will think that! BUT if I share my opinions with love and curtesy, and listen to their thoughts, we can actually have a DIALOGUE! and who knows, we might both learn something!! :)
I am a firm believer in “the Truth will set you free,” and if there is Truth being spoken, and I want Truth, then there will be a witness, and I would be smart to listen!
Christians can play an important part in real communication happening at this crazy time.
Jim Denison, speaks and writes on cultural and contemporary issues. In his column “Texas Congressmen Driving to DC Go Viral” https://www.denisonforum.org/?utm_source=Cultural+Commentary&utm_campaign=ead6f2781b-Texas+congressmen+driving+to+DC+go+viral&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_51f776a552-ead6f2781b-273466309&mc_cid=ead6f2781b&mc_eid=5b258397ae , he wrote: “We are commanded to defend our beliefs ‘with gentleness and respect’ (1 Peter 3:15) by ‘speaking the truth in love’ (Ephesians 4:15). The greater our opposition, the greater our opportunity.”
Light shines in the darkness!
Shane Claiborne is a social activist, advocating for nonviolence and service to the poor. He put it well when he said, “…There are lots of people speaking the truth with no love, and there are a lot of people talking about love without much truth.”
The Church has the Truth. We HAVE to speak out. But it is not going to do anyone any good if we are just as angry as the people we are talking to. Can we show the difference that Jesus makes when He comes to live inside? Can we love our enemies and pray for those who despitefully use us (see my blog “Love Your Enemies Pt 1 http://hollymroddam.blogspot.com/)? Can we show the way forward by speaking the truth with respect, giving dignity to others, and rising above to love our enemies?
I for one will be trying.
2 comments:
Good word! The verse that I think of is John 13:35; by this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.
Yes, Sandy. It always amazed me that Jesus said that people would know that the Father sent Him by OUR love for one another!! Kind of explains a few things! Doesn't it??!
Peace & Love,
Holly M. <><
Post a Comment