As much as we tout the virtues of honesty, it can be a double-edged sword. Many of us remember what it is like to be on the receiving end of backlash for telling the truth- hence the phrase “Don’t kill the messenger!”
16 Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth? – Galatians 4:16
I 100% believe in the importance of honesty. Being honest is important, but so are the reasons for our honesty.
I’ve seen people use the truth about someone’s past as a cudgel, doing everything they can to bludgeon that person’s present and future. It wasn’t done to ‘protect’ others from the person- it was done solely as an act of revenge- to hurt that person and try to damage or destroy their life and relationships.
17 Those people are zealous to win you over, but for no good.
What they want is to alienate you from us, so that you may have zeal for them.
Galatians 4:17
I believe the WHY behind the truths we share matter as much as WHAT we share.
Context matters. Intention matters.
When your words of honesty come from a place of hatred, anger, bitterness or animosity, then you are not acting out of benevolence or generosity- you’re acting out of spite.
Honesty for the purpose of creating dissent, division and disharmony isn’t admirable or justifiable.
16 Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth?
17 Those people are zealous to win you over, but for no good. What they want is to alienate you from us, so that you may have zeal for them.
Galatians 4:16-17
Motive matters. Check yours before you speak, and consider the motives of others when they do.
