Speak the Truth

Speak the Truth

by Joyce Meyer - posted November 28, 2014

Rather, let our lives lovingly express truth [in all things, speaking truly, dealing truly, living truly]. Enfolded in love, let us grow up in every way and in all things into Him Who is the Head, [even] Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).
—Ephesians 4:15
People-pleasing behavior often leads people to tell lies because they fear people won't accept the truth. They say yes with their mouth while their heart is screaming no. They may not want to do something, but they act as if they do for fear of displeasing someone. If they ever do say no, they usually make an excuse rather than tell the truth that they just don't want to do what they are being asked to do. They may not feel it is the right thing for them to do.
We don't want to be rude, but neither do we want to be liars. Most people pleasers are not honest about their desires, feelings, and thoughts. They tell people what they want to hear, not what they need to hear. A healthy relationship demands honesty.
We should be able to say to people, "I don't have peace about making that commitment right now," and they should graciously receive that answer, but it rarely happens. Some people may not want to hear the truth, but that does not relieve us of the responsibility to speak the truth.
Lord, help me to speak and live the truth in all that I do. I don't want to be rude, but I refuse to be dishonest or to resort to half-truths to avoid the real truth. Amen.