– Secret Place Insights –
Dear One, I have often heard it said that sharing both the Love and the Truth of God’s Word is just too difficult. Many fear that God’s full teaching comes across as mean-spirited.
Benjamin Franklin said, “Half a truth is often a great lie.” When it comes to sharing God’s Word, Mr. Franklin’s quote is not strong enough. “Half a spiritual truth is a great lie, and harmful to the hearer.” For the depths of God’s love are found in the understanding of God’s Truth. How can one share God’s Love apart from sharing His Truth, for His Truth is Love.
The following is an example.
I was invited to pray with a young woman who’s life was spiraling downward. We met to discuss her emotional stresses. We brought each of her concerns to God. Before we parted, out of love for her, and love for our Heavenly Father, it was necessary to share the full Truth. After all, how could I be of any help to the woman, or be used for God‘s glory, without sharing the fullness of His teaching?
For compassion is not for the benefit of a caregiver, it is meant to help another overcome. Teaching Love without Truth is purely selfish, much like a parent – one who does not discipline (protect) his child because of the scorn the parent might encounter.
So, before we parted, I said, “I have to make mention of something you already know. God does not approve of you living with a man with whom you are not married. And since you are a Christian, until you work through this, you will not likely find the peace that you are seeking.”
I did not want to hurt the dear woman’s feelings, but in fairness to her, full truth had to be spoken. She shook her head in agreement, and said that she loved me, thanked me for praying for her, and thanked me for being such a good friend to her. I had no idea that she considered me a close friend. I was grateful. No, she was not ready, or perhaps able, to change her living arrangements, but she left armed with the fullness of God’s Word…the Union of Love and Truth.
“Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things
grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From
Him the whole body, joined and held together by every
supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love,
as each part does its work. Ephesians 4:15-16
Blessings,
Susanne
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