But tell me...

I've been pondering something lately. It might seem like a simple thing, or something that can be quietly put to the side once in a while... but we just can't do that. Our very character is compromised when we don't have Truth coming from our lips.

{I designed this image with wordart from summertimedesigns, and if you take it without asking I will not appreciate it} ;)

"...Tell me I'm perfect... but tell me the truth." I love this.

It is so important to speak the truth instead of lies, error, and falsehoods...

...Or even flattery!

There's an expression used here in the South for when someone is just spewing empty words of praise without really meaning it. It's called "Sloppin' Sugar".

I despise it! I would rather someone told me right up front what they really think (as long as they did it in a Christ-like manner) than have somebody 'cozy up' to me and say things that sound nice, but are not true. 

It is so sweet to know people who speak the truth. You always know what their true feelings are - they are honest, frank, and open. They are not without tact, and do not speak bluntly or unkindly, but they are not afraid to tell you their honest opinion. I want to be one of those people.

Jesus did not sugar-coat the truth with flattery, and I know he never told a lie.

From John 14:6 - Jesus speaking:
I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.Jesus was truth. But he spoke the truth with love. As we should also.

Ephesians 4:14 & 15: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

(15) But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.

We should never speak harshly or unkindly, and we need to be careful that our opinions and beliefs line up with the Word of God. And we can never force our convictions on other people - they will have to make the decision for themselves whether they believe something or not. But we need to be forthright and honest, and speak what we know to be the truth.

With a heart overflowing with gratitude for the loved ones in my life I can trust to speak the truth, and the book I can always turn to when I need to know the truth, I wish you a blessed rest of the week!