"It is only the cynic who claims "to speak the truth" at all times and in all places to all men in the same way, but who, in fact, displays nothing but a lifeless image of the truth...He dons the halo of the fanatical devotee of truth who can make no allowance for human weaknesses; but, in fact, he is destroying the living truth between men. He wounds shame, desecrates mystery, breaks confidence, betrays the community in which he lives, and laughs arrogantly at the devastation he has wrought and at the human weakness which "cannot bear the truth." -Dietrich Boenhoffer
We all know that person, the one that "tells the truth" no matter how harsh it is. If you ask if your hair cut looks good, or if your recent weight gain is noticeable...watch out. If the worship leader misses a note or the pastor wears an ugly suit...be on guard. For the truth vigilante there is no truth to base or critical to say, because after all, we are called to speak the truth, aren't we?
Ah, but there is the catch. We are called to speak TRUTH. What is truth? It is the life giving Word of God, the affirmation on earth to the affirmation of heaven. It breathes for you when you can't stop holding your breath. It sings a song of freedom when you are bound in chains. Truth is uplifting, hopeful, and life changing. "You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free".
When we speak facts or statistics to someone in need of truth and mask it as truth it can be damaging. Do we lie then when asked a question that leads to an unfavorable fact? No! We speak the truth! We say what God says in that situation! God would tell someone they are beautifully and wonderfully made. They are called to be a priesthood and a holy nation! He would say that nothing is impossible for them.
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