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Tuesday, February 07, 2006
To Tell The Truth
James 3:1-12
"Watch Your Words" says the Apostle James in his letter about how to put your faith to work. Talk is anything but cheap! In fact, every word you speak makes life better or worse. Whether you mean it to or not.
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Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me!
A friend recently fascinated me by saying he at some point had turned that phrase all around. If mere words don't compare to physical damage, he felt encouraged to tell the truth at all cost.
Along life's way he was amazed that people sometimes felt hurt by what he said. He only meant to help clarify things, to move them toward some realistic resolution.
How interesting.
A childhood sing-song defense against bullies became the rationale for accidental bullying.
Well, at least no sticks or stones were involved.
Our mothers knew better. They cautioned us, "Bite your tongue and count to ten." And then, if necessary, count to ten again!
You never have to say everything you happen to think. Good thing, too.
Jesus warned we will be judged by our own words (Matthew 12:36,37). So, regardless of the old cliche, talk is anything but cheap! In fact, everything we say makes life better or worse.
If that's a scary thought, it's not the end of the story.
The Apostle Paul has encouraging news. In Ephesians 4:11-15, he says God's intention for every Christian -- and all of us together -- is that we will grow up spiritually to be just like Jesus. To embody everything he's all about. And one major spiritual growth hormone is (drum roll) "speaking the truth in love!"
Telling the truth with no concern for kindness makes you cranky. Caring about people without being honest with them is simply sentimental.
Put them both together, it sounds a lot like heaven on earth.
posted by Jack Buckley at
3:27 PM
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