Speaking the Truth

How many times have you said something similar to "I am just going to tell them what they need to hear"? I have said this myself, a few times. There is absolutely nothing wrong with speaking the Truth! However, I want to challenge you to consider the following the next time you are going to tell it like it is.

1.) Is it actually the truth or is it my opinion?

       - We seem to confuse these two very easily. As a matter of fact many times our "truth" is truly just our opinion on a matter. If you are going to speak the truth it is necessary to put self aside and to seek what is actually true not just your opinion or what you have always thought. Remember there was a time when the general consensus was that the World was flat. Thankfully someone challenged that "Truth" and we ended up discovering America!

2.) Do I need to say it?

       - I find that most people already know what is going on in their life and the last thing they need is for me to point out the obvious. When you point out the obvious issues it can be like rubbing salt in an open wound. Ouch! Now there are time when it is necessary to speak up and help someone see something they are missing. This is especially true for Parents when dealing with their Children. As a Parent you have the experience to say "Hey, I have walked this road and believe me you don't want to". As a friend sometimes it is necessary to speak up and help a friend who has been blinded by sin or maybe even another person. 

3.) How do I Speak?

       - When you know you have the truth and you have evaluated the situation and it is necessary to speak up, how do you do it? The answer is actually quite simple. We find the proper motivation and way of speaking the truth in Ephesians 4:15...

 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 

We are to speak the truth In Love so that we may assist others in the goal of growing in Christ! Is this your method and purpose for "Telling it like it is"? I challenge you to evaluate yourself and see if you line up with this passage. 

Remember you can say the right thing to the right person in the wrong way or for the wrong reason and you can become wrong for doing so! Follow the Biblical method for "Speaking the Truth"!