[A devotional reflection originally prepared for the congregation of Horley Baptist Church during July 2024]
Have there been times when you decide to hold your tongue rather than provoke a pointless argument over some minor matter? Or perhaps you prefer to be pedantic, setting the record straight at the risk of upsetting someone who has a different recollection of events.
Job faced the situation when his friends were trying to tell him where they thought he had gone wrong. He understood that they were well-meaning but also recognised that there was nothing to be gained from perpetuating the argument:
How painful are honest words! But what do your arguments prove?
Job 6 v25 [NIVUK]
The book of Proverbs contains many verses describing how a person might respond to being corrected. A few people accept it with good grace, recognising the good intent; others may react with hostility. Solomon recommended a more considered approach to differences of opinion:
A soft and gentle and thoughtful answer turns away wrath, But harsh and painful and careless words stir up anger.
Proverbs 15 v1 [AMP]
The early church in Rome was a multi-cultural group, with a wide range of social norms and expectations. Disputes had the potential to intensify rapidly and cause lasting damage. Paul wrote to the church with some advice:
Do everything possible on your part to live in peace with everybody.
Romans 12 v18 [GNT]
Do these verses suggest that ‘mis-truths’ should never be challenged? That is the dilemma with which we opened these thoughts. It is an easy question to ask; rather less straightforward to answer.
It has been said that history is written by the victors; in a similar way our perception of truth depends upon who is stating it. Faced with competing arguments it is quite understandable that Pilate should ask “What is truth?”[1] How can we be sure that the version of the truth that we have heard – or are telling – is, in fact, true?
It will help if we go back to one basic statement. Jesus said, “I am the Way and the Truth and the Life”.[2] The more that we align our actions with what Jesus would do the closer we will be to the truth and the less likely we will be to cause offence. A simple prayer will address both truth and peace:
Lord, is what I am about to say truthful? Is it helpful?
References:
[1] John 18 v38. [NKJV]
[2] John 14:6 [NLV]
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Last week’s reflection: The Rule of Law
Contributed by Steve Humphreys; © Steve Humphreys
Thanks Steve – thought provoking