Amos 5:10 They hate him who reproves in the gate,
    and they abhor him who speaks the truth.

Prophets and truth-speakers often get a rough reception! Of all the Old Testament characters I like Isaiah the best, but reliable legend has it that he was sawn in two, along with Jeremiah, who was stoned to death in Egypt, and the list could go on and on. People don’t like to hear what conflicts with their preferences and preconceptions! We recognize that easily when those being hard-headed are in opposition to us, but we don’t see it so easily when we are the guilty party. The thing is, falsehood is one of the few things that are impossible for God. Genuine humility means acknowledging that God is always right, whatever we think or desire. This means that we need to be truth-speakers as well. The Japanese expression here is “speaks completely straight.” Many cultures, Japan included, are shocked by such speech. America is noted for frankness, but these days that’s very much on a case-by-case basis. Americans can be as devious as anyone else! We aren’t to go around hurting people needlessly with our words, but we must remember that ultimately, truth is always kinder than a lie. That can lose us friends in the short term, but in the long term it is always the better course. Jesus was very frank with the Pharisees, but it was out of His love for them. It ultimately got Him crucified, but He came through that with the greatest victory in all creation. Everyone likes to be liked, but if that in itself is our goal, then our lives will be shallow at best, and likely end up completely separated from Christ, who is Truth. (John 14:6)

I had the great blessing of being raised by a father who held absolute honesty as one of his guiding principles. As a result, though I have demonstrated that I am quite capable of deceiving myself, (James 1:22) I generally accept truth when it is presented to me. I like it that way! I do get defensive at times, and I’m certainly not always correct, but I choose to be on the side of truth, whatever the consequences. Even if people detest or abhor me for it! That said, I must always be careful to speak the truth in love, just as Paul pointed out. (Ephesians 4:15) If people respond well, praise God! If they don’t, then so be it. I do need to seek God for when to speak and when to be silent, because there is indeed a time for everything, but if I am being obedient to the Holy Spirit, then the consequences are in His hands, whatever they might seem like in the short term.

Father, thank You for this reminder. Help me indeed walk in Your truth on all levels, so that those who see me may see more and more of You, drawing them to repentance and faith, for their salvation and Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!