Because I Tell You the Truth

by Terry Wane Benton

Paul had no desire to be the enemy of anyone. He had every right to expect that people should and must appreciate truth, even if it hurts at first. The truth teller is telling the truth because that is what love demands.

Love demands that people help people get out of error by recognizing it and then choosing to disavow it. Truth is the way to freedom from error and condemnation (John 8:30,31). The truth sets you free from ignorance and darkness. But Paul had to ask some brethren, "Have I become your enemy because I tell you the truth?" (Galatians 4:16).

Jesus had enemies, not because He sought them, but because people become comfortable in error and darkness and feel uncomfortable when the light exposes the darkness (John 3:17-21).

People should appreciate and love the truth-teller, but they rarely do. So, unfortunately, you have to expect that sometimes even brethren will make you their enemy because you tell the truth they do not like to hear. Like Jesus and Paul, you cannot please everyone!

If you are trying to please everyone, you could not be a servant of Christ (Galatians 1:10). You have to remember to teach the truth, let your purpose be only to please God, and let the people decide if they are going to love you for standing for God's word or hate you for it. Love them enough to tell the truth of God's word regardless of how they decide to respond to it.

God will judge how they respond to His truth and how they treat His truth-tellers. Be sure you are a truth-teller and that you have a love of God and His truth. Teach the truth in love.