Speaking The Truth & How To Love Others While Doing It
My first instinct is to run. My second instinct is to hide. Neither do I intend, but the chaos of it all has me feeling as though it is sometimes all I can do. I am afraid. Afraid of disagreements, of arguments, of anything that may upset someone or make the situation uncomfortable- disregarding my feelings and values in the process.
My heart longs for peace.
I sit quietly, not wanting to be still any longer while knowing the potential outcome that could erupt if I choose to speak. The harsh reactions to disagreements have pushed silence on sensitive topics and specific conversations- conversations I typically would not think twice to speak on. I hold back the opinion I want to voice, frightened by the remarks and backlash that could come from it.
Fear has a deceitful way of silencing us from expressing what we know to be true.
Disappointment sets in when I hear the words, “I’m scared,” slip out of my mouth once again. It has become a phrase I hear myself saying too often, and I am not proud of that.
I realize the things I once prioritized and acted on out of instinct, have slipped to last on my list of priorities, making it not much of a priority at all. It leaves an ache in my heart and a jab at my pride.
My last instinct is to step up. My last instinct is to speak the truths I believe; and at that point, it is no longer an instinct but a conscious decision. I haven’t always struggled with this; but lately, all evidence of my actions point to this. Passion used to be the motivator for speaking out about the values I hold, but fear has become the dominator of differing thoughts and conflicting opinions.
My mind continues to circle back to the question we are all asking, and it has been a process to find the answer: How do I stand up for what I believe while showing love to those who believe differently?
I found the answer to this with the overwhelming conviction that I have wrestled through how to convey best. My prayer is that you find the same conviction, too.
It begins in Luke 4. It has been 40 days. Jesus has wandered 40 days in the desert, alone, with no food (I get hangry if I go longer than four hours without eating, so I don’t want to even imagine a month LOL).
Vulnerability was the main method Satan used to attack, and he uses the same method on us today. Satan appeared when Jesus was most susceptible to give in, though, Jesus never once did.
The first attempt is when Satan challenged Jesus to turn a stone into bread to satisfy His hunger. Rather than physically delighting in food, Jesus replied, “Man shall not live by bread alone.” He chose strength over silence.
The second attempt is when Satan bribed Jesus with false claims. Satan said he could give Jesus all the kingdoms of the world if He worshipped him. Jesus replied, “You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only shall you serve.” He chose scripture over silence.
Satan AGAIN (he’s like an annoying gnat, but worse) tried to have Jesus prove Himself. Jesus replied, “You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.” He chose truth over silence.
In each situation, Jesus could have angrily argued the truth, putting Satan in his rightful place as we so often wish to do. Or Jesus could have given in to the actions Satan was pressuring Him to perform, conforming instead of transforming. Rather than responding in the ways we find ourselves wanting to respond, Jesus chooses something different. He chooses to repeat the words He knew to be true. He chooses to speak the truth.
In verse 15, scripture tells us Jesus was traveling through different towns to teach in synagogues. It says He was praised and “glorified by all” (verse 15). When He arrives in Nazareth, Jesus continues to share His message. He gets to a part of the message that appears to be extremely controversial, and scripture says the people were filled with wrath. They even tried to push Him off a cliff (verses 28-30). They did not like hearing that message, no matter how true it was.
He still chose to speak the truth.
Jesus continued to speak the truth even when it wasn’t popular. He continued His mission even when it wasn’t widely accepted by everyone, and He did it in the most loving way possible. The same way Jesus showed love in communicating the truth of His message, we are called to boldly speak that truth with the grace and mercy that reflect His love.
In verse 43, He says, “I must preach the good news of the Kingdom of God to the other towns as well; for I was sent for this purpose.” Jesus knew His mission, He knew His purpose, and He did not shy away from the uncomfortable moments and tough conversations. He strongly stood for what He believed and refused to compromise or remain silent- no exceptions. THAT is the kind of boldness I want to have.
Jesus did not save me so that I would sit quietly on His truth but so that I could proclaim His truth!
I look at where I am right now and the division that is happening in the world.
Sit still. Squirm uncomfortably in your seat as you listen to others who are not speaking the things you know to be true. Live in fear that anything you say may offend someone else. Just don’t speak. These are the tendencies intimidation and fear give us.
Friend, you do not have to live intimidated. The solution to this is clear, though we often try to argue and complicate what we want to be true and what we know to be true. Here is what I KNOW to be true: We were not created to please everyone. We are created to please the One who made us and created us. We please Him best when we stick to His truth and love His people- including the ones we don’t agree with.
Jesus faced the same temptations we face. He walked the same paths we are walking. There is nothing we are going through that Jesus has not already been through. He chose to speak the truth even when it was not popular and even when it was the most difficult. What are you going to choose to do?
When I asked myself this question, I found it to be the most convicting. On January 1, I challenged myself to be BOLD in the year 2020. I am proud of the areas I have seen the growth of this but discouraged to see where I failed to apply it. What happened to being BOLD with no exceptions?
What am I going to answer when my Heavenly Father holds me accountable for the things I have done? Will I stare back at Him and have to answer for every time I chose to sit silent on His truths, or will I be able to hear “Well done good and faithful servant” for proclaiming His Gospel message even when it is not popular? I know which one I want to hear.
I have concluded that the answer to the question “How do I stand up for what I believe while doing so in a way that shows love to those who believe differently,” is quite simple, even though it may be hard to put into action.
We must continue to gracefully speak the truth in a way that shows respect and kindness towards others while loving them. Jesus did this, and we are called to do the same.
Keep believing, keep speaking, keep walking in truth even, and especially when, that truth feels lost in the chaos of the world. Even Jesus experienced the temptation to give up, but He knew His purpose. Know yours.
One Comment
Ma
Oh, Ashtyn! I am convicted with every writing. How did you get so wise?