Speaking Truth, Plain and Simple
1 Corinthians 1:12 Indeed, this is our boast, the testimony of our conscience: we have behaved in the world with frankness and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God—and all the more toward you. (NRSV)
Saying things the way they are these days is becoming increasingly difficult. Political correctness is running rampant – masquerading as diversity, truth and tolerance – when all along, it’s destroying people’s lives with a lie.
I read the other day of a local school that was planning on banning the terms “father”, “mother”, “girl” and “boy” in the name of inclusion by not hurting the feelings of those who identify with a different form of gender and sexuality.
I have much compassion in my heart for those who do identify differently. I have no doubt that their feelings are really quite genuine. But since God created us in His image, male and female, He created us, I also have to speak plainly: those feelings, those perceptions, are a delusion. They do not reflect the genetic reality of a person. I say that because, as Christians, we’re called to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15).
What I see today amongst God’s people is something between reticence and fear of speaking out the truth, plain and simple. You and I well know that all of the Apostles, (Paul, in particular) were persecuted and likely martyred for speaking the truth.
Writes Paul to the church in Corinth:
2 Corinthians 1:12 Indeed, this is our boast, the testimony of our conscience: we have behaved in the world with frankness and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God—and all the more toward you. (NRSV)
That attitude landed him on death row, yet still he spoke the truth with frankness and godly sincerity, however unpopular it may have been.
Part of loving people is to speak the truth to them in love, in kindness, with frankness and in godly sincerity – even if that truth isn’t welcome.
That’s God’s Word. Fresh … for you … today.
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Steve Wilds
Just a word of encouragement – well said this morning – Jesus is the truth. We read “I am the way, ...
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Just a word of encouragement – well said this morning – Jesus is the truth. We read “I am the way, the truth and the life…” And the truth will set us free, and if Jesus sets us free we are “free indeed.” We of course love “our neighbours” as commanded, but we hate sin and I have to say that much of the political correctness of today is bourne of sin. We are all sinners, but praise God for His saving grace, love we didn’t deserve, but given to us anyway. The school that you mentioned, banning certain words, is misguided and will do more harm than good, neither will it address the issues of inclusion they hope to resolve. The most important inclusion is to be in the “fold”, under the care of the Good Shepherd… Keep speaking the truth brother, God bless you richly.