Greetings Beloved!

In my previous profession and current vocation I have to speak before an audience. Audiences vary and include courtrooms, senate chambers, community meetings, training classes, and congregations. No matter the audience I am always expected to tell the truth.

It’s difficult to tell the truth. Sometimes the truth may hurt the hearer and we don’t want to shoulder that burden. Sometimes the truth will hurt the one sharing it and we don’t want to bear the mantle of accountability either. Not telling the truth to protect oneself and at the expense of others does far more harm than good.

When the truth is intentionally withheld, the hearer is deprived of the ability to make informed decisions or to respond in a way best for them.

Now, before you set about telling folk how that hairstyle doesn’t work for them or that you never liked the macaroni and cheese they baked, please hear this:

The word of God calls us to share the truth IN LOVE, not in spite or maliciously.

A long time ago I saw an acronym about truth-telling. I don’t know who the author might be but the words seem applicable today. If we THINK before we share, we will:

T - know the word is timely; it is what needs to be said in the moment.

H - share only what is honest, what is factual.

I - share because we hope to inspire the hearer.

N - share what is necessary, not a message laden with our opinions or suppositions.

K - ensure that we share words that are kind.

The truth can be just as difficult to share as it can be to hear. But if we THINK first, it will be a message that helps instead of hurts, that heals instead of hinders.

Peace