There is quite a bit of controversy among Christians about “speaking the truth in
love." Does this mean that we are supposed to be kind and sweet about everything
(which too often turns into not speaking the truth at all), or does it mean that we
are to speak the truth BECAUSE we love?
There are, as with everything, two extremes in this argument. One being the “love
and accept everyone no matter how much they insult my beliefs” (and I’m not
saying that we shouldn’t love people. I’m just saying that we shouldn’t stay silent
when they bash we stand for and believe in.), and the other being the “Bible
thumpers”.
Now, many say that there’s a happy medium between these two- smack dab in the
middle. I personally disagree. (After all, what’s happy about sin?) I lean towards
the “Bible thumpers”. Why? Because we Christians need to be REAL! Too many
times Christians get so wrapped up in winning souls for Christ, they forget the real
reason we must tell others of the Savior- SIN.
Sin is the number one issue in every life. Sin is what separates us from Christ, and it
must be addressed. With love, yes, but also with a strong dose of reality. They MUST
be told of the consequences of sin, which is eternal punishment in Hell.
Consider Bilbo and Thorin for a moment. They were good friends. Like brothers. But
Bilbo still did something that he knew Thorin would hate in order so save Thorin
from being eaten alive by his own greed. He stole the Arkenstone. He called Thorin
out, even when he knew that Thorin may have turned him out or even order his
execution.
Many people are like Thorin. They are so in love with their sin that they are willing to
lose friends and family over it. They need to be called out. Even if they turn you out,
even if they execute your friendship. Make sure that they understand that you are
calling them out because you love them. They may turn against you anyway, but so
goes persecution. Think of it this way: you will have been persecuted and shunned by
your friends and family, just as Jesus was.
Speak the truth... Because you love.
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