Truth Timing

I believe that truth is always truth. It can be sugarcoated or it can be raw but truth is real and concrete. I’m aware that there are those who think truth is relative to whatever situation. I believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God and it is truth – non-negotiable truth.

I do think that there are times when people are suffering; they need love and acceptance before truth. If a person has made a bad choice and really wrecked their life, the last thing they need is a lecture. They need love and they need forgiveness and grace. The truth hasn’t moved or changed and it still applies, but when their spirit is crushed they need grace and love first.

Job is suffering from the loss of his family & everything he owned. He’s even lost his good health. He’s suffering from some major skin disorder or disease. He has three friends around him and they seem to be interested in conveying the truth rather than to let him “vent” his feelings. They are interested in conveying the truth that I believe Job is already committed to. Check this out…

5 But if you will seek God earnestly

    and plead with the Almighty,

6 if you are pure and upright,

    even now he will rouse himself on your behalf

    and restore you to your prosperous state.

7 Your beginnings will seem humble,

    so prosperous will your future be.

20 ‘Surely God does not reject one who is blameless

    or strengthen the hands of evildoers.

21 He will yet fill your mouth with laughter

    and your lips with shouts of joy.

22 Your enemies will be clothed in shame,

    and the tents of the wicked will be no more.’ (Job 8:5-7; 20-22 NIV)

I don’t believe that I should ever ignore the truth or even dance around it. I believe that there are times that before truth can be handed down large doses of grace must be dispensed. If I’m in a desperate situation, I need hope, love and grace before truth pounds me in the ground. Just because I receive hope, love and grace first that doesn’t change the outcome of my choices – it does give me hope for getting back on the right path. I think Jesus modeled this when he cared for people’s physical hunger prior to teaching them truth. He also healed people physically before healing them spiritually.

There are times people just need love and grace in large amounts so that they can handle the truth. The truth is reality and love and grace don’t change that. Love and grace can change how I receive the truth and implement it into my heart.

Pressing On!

Dwayne