When is the Right Timing to Tell the Truth?

When is the Right Timing to Tell the Truth?
By Pastor Alexander Redd
September 26, 2023

"Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment." (Proverbs 12:19).

Looking into the teachings of the Bible about using God's truth, shown through Jesus Christ, makes us wonder if we should use it sparingly or share it freely in every situation. To better understand this, let's look at real-life experiences and guidance from the Bible.

We sometimes find ourselves in situations where the truth seems to go against what society thinks is right or what's easy for us. In these moments, we may be scared to tell the truth, worried about rejection, arguments, or even punishment. But we must ask ourselves if these fears align with what God wants for us.

Think about the apostle Paul, a loyal follower of Christ who always spoke God's truth. Even though he faced many difficulties, Paul never stopped courageously sharing the gospel, even when it meant being punished or imprisoned. His strong dedication to the truth is a good example for us, showing the importance of always speaking God's truth.

Also, the Bible has passages that show how important it is to be truthful. Proverbs 12:19 says, "Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment." This verse talks about the strength of truth and encourages us to accept it fully. Jesus also said in John 14:6, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." These words remind us that God's truth, shown in Christ, is the key to eternal life.

But it's important to understand that telling the truth doesn't mean we shouldn't be thoughtful or sensitive. The Bible teaches us to be wise when interacting with others. Proverbs 15:23 says, "Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time!" This verse encourages us to think about the best time and way to communicate God's truth. We must balance our dedication to truth with love, kindness, and insight, ensuring our words show Christ's heart.

Real-life experiences also show the importance of always sharing God's truth. For example, if you have a friend living in a harmful way, you might hesitate to speak up and share God's truth with them. You might be afraid of damaging the friendship or causing them to become defensive. However, withholding the truth could ultimately be more harmful to them in the long run.

You can guide your friend towards a better path by sharing God's truth lovingly and compassionately. It may require difficult conversations and uncomfortable moments, but ultimately, it is an act of love to help them see the truth and make positive changes in their life.

In addition, sharing God's truth can also have a profound impact on our spiritual growth. When we openly express our beliefs and values, we strengthen our understanding and deepen our relationship with God. It allows us to live authentically and align ourselves with His teachings.

However, it's crucial to approach these situations with humility and empathy. We should always be open to listening and understanding the perspectives of others, even if they differ from our own. Our goal should never be to force our beliefs onto others but rather to present God's truth as an option for them to consider.

Ultimately, prayer and discernment should guide the decision to share God's truth or to hold back. We should seek God's guidance and wisdom, asking Him to lead us in every interaction. By doing so, we can trust that He will provide us with the right words and the right timing to share His truth effectively.

The teachings of the Bible and real-life experiences remind us of the importance of sharing God's truth. While it may be daunting at times, we should strive to be like Paul, boldly proclaiming God's truth in the face of adversity. However, we must also remember to be thoughtful, sensitive, and guided by love in our interactions. By sharing God's truth compassionately and humbly, we have the potential to impact lives and grow closer to Him in the process.

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