In Galatians 4:16, Paul poses the question: “Have I really become your enemy because I tell you the truth?” (TPT). What a question!?! One of the biggest qualities I know I want in a friend is truthfulness. Think of it this way — if someone lies to you, if someone deceives you, is the friendship even real? We want truthful friends, or do we?
People were treating Paul like an enemy for sharing the truth. This is commonplace for us even today. Though we should share the truth in love and though we can grasp that lying is wrong, it seems that most people would rather soak up the lies instead of facing the truth. When the truth is spoken, the person speaking the truth becomes the enemy. How dare you shine a light on the lies? Why did you tell me what I couldn’t see for myself? This is how we are treated when we share truth. Being a speaker of truth does not necessarily get you likes — it usually does the opposite.
Today, you have to make a choice just as you do every other day. Are you going to be a truth speaker? As you make this decision with each moment today, you should recognize that the truth is not always well received. If you speak the truth, you may be rejected. Remember, Jesus was rejected too. The responses you receive from others should never dictate what you say. Lies don’t make the truth less truth. Telling more lies and sharing in deception also does not make it more true. Where are you drawing the line today? Will you stand firm and perhaps become an enemy? Or will you spend your day telling everyone just what they want to hear?
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Truth. Lord, help us to speak Your Truth boldly today. Help us to steer away from the lies and rejoice in Your Word. We thank You that Your Word does not return void. We thank You that Your Word does not change. We thank You that Your Word is a light unto our path. In Jesus’ Name. Amen!
Tania Gutekunst 