“The truest friend does not doubt but hope.”
While many movies based on books leave much to be desired, Douglas McGrath’s 1996 production of Emma vividly portrays Jane Austen’s endearing characters, Emma and her beloved Mr. Knightly. The strength of the relationship, though, comes from Austen’s pen as she reveals the longing of every heart—not only to be loved, but to be loved in truth. A man of conviction, Mr. Knightly affirms to Emma that his chastisement of her unacceptable behavior doesn’t come from a rejection of her but from his belief that greater things reside within her.
Spiritual growth doesn’t happen without a confrontation with the truth. In John 14:6, Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through Me.” Far more than factual information, God’s truth is inseparable from His love. Truth required the cross; love made it possible.
Jesus loves us enough to speak straight to us. He does this so that our feet will be set firmly on the solid rock of His Word. In return, we must be willing to love others in truth.
Truth is not easy to hear, and hard words hurt. Love, however, persists past niceties. “Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy” (Proverbs 27:6). Longing to see things set right, love willingly walks the difficult path of speaking the truth found in God’s Word. We do a great injustice to the body of Christ when we pretend that sin doesn’t exist (Ephesians 4:25).
The strength of God becomes active in our lives when we live out the twofold calling to truth. We must be willing to speak it (Proverbs 27:17) as well as receive it (Psalm 141:5). God’s love deals in truth. Anything less isn’t really love.
More:
We will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of His body, the church (Ephesians 4:15).
Next:
Why is truth necessary for growth? When have you heard hard words from a friend? How did you respond?
bethanyF on January 28, 2010 at 8:52 am
I pray that I could put the truth that I hear into action and spend more time with God. Sometimes I need to put aside all the other distractions in life and just get to God.
regina franklin on January 28, 2010 at 11:30 am
Dear Bethany,
I hear your heart! So often I know the right answers but feel absolutely overwhelmed by things around me that I have difficulty breaking through the noise to find His presence.
I don’t want to be a hearer but not be a doer. It’s in those moments when we must choose to hear and act upon His truth that we know what it means to take up our cross daily–these are true discipleship moments, even when it means letting a part of us–founded ungodly places of comfort–die.
My prayers are with you. May you hear His voice of love and truth–hope, not condemnation–as He tells you He sees so much potential in your life as His daughter.
obengdako on January 28, 2010 at 9:28 am
True it is time that when i truly think someone is wrong or out of line i tell them in love.
regina franklin on January 28, 2010 at 11:33 am
May you contend earnestly for the faith and be led by His Spirit (Jude 3) and may He comfort and protect you as you choose to be His light in a dark place.
Chileshe on January 28, 2010 at 4:56 pm
I know that the days of men of God who scared you out of your wits by hammering at the punishment you would endure if you did not repent are long gone. Such sermons so forcefully given made you not want to go back to church again! But, don’t you feel there are just too many feel-good preachers out there who would rather not face up to the truth, avoiding to upset the congregation lest they lost their following? The manner the word was spread by the men of God of old might be out of synch with the modern times but at least they did not beat about the bush but told you things as they were. They told us the truth without butter coating it!
regina franklin on February 7, 2010 at 7:21 pm
Recently, someone reminded me that the story of the woman caught in adultery is such a powerful example of God’s mercy and grace in action.
Being without sin, Jesus had the right to throw the stone, but He chose not to–His mercy. Because He knew the restored life required a walking away from sin, He said to her, “go and sin no more,” in effect a demonstration that His grace empowers us to live a changed life.
We, as the church, need both.
Paulajo on January 28, 2010 at 10:12 pm
Chileshe,
I agree with you that it seems there are too many “feel-good” preachers out there who would rather not talk about sin and truth in fear they will upset the congregation and lose members.
God says in His Word that preachers are to preach the Word when it is popular and/or convenient, and when it is not. When it seems suitable to do so, and when it seems not. Popular culture, tradition, esteem in the church or community must never alter the true preacher’s commitment to proclaim God’s Word. 2 Timothy 4: 2 God calls those of us who are believers and especially ministers of the Word of God to preach the truth! 2 Timothy 4:3 says, “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths.” I see people flocking to churches where they want to be entertained by teachings that will produce pleasant sensations and leave them with good feelings about themselves. Under these conditions, it is the people that are dictating what pastors should preach rather than God dictating it by His Word!
riri on January 29, 2010 at 9:17 am
This is true and sometimes intimidating. It’s not easy hearing the truth, but as the relationship with the Father gets stronger, it’s get easier. Thank you for this.
NANZ26 on February 6, 2010 at 5:04 am
All i can say is God is always been there .It’s just that people don’t mind and let life live to the fullest without knowing what is our purpose of our lives.Some people died not responding to God’s wish .Some people regret in not seeking God earlier. Some people laugh, bully because of being holy to serve God.. We don’t know when He comes but what matters most is that we are ready to meet Him in anytime by making Him as our center and step by step life will be at peace living with Him.Based from my experiences, He never forsaken me though the pace of my life is hard still He’s been there He never let me down even though frustrations,losses from the games of life,problems coming at the same time . That’s how God loves me but not only me but also all of us …He never let anyone down though it depends on u people how we asses the trials we have .Its the angry sadness no trust that block the mirror that God is with us…. Read Bible instead of any book when you feel you are in the unknown situation. Decide with God’s guidance and He will lead you through Jesus Christ’s name…..God loves you………