truth sometimes hurts
Jeremiah " 'ought to be put to death,' the princes said to the king; 'he demoralizes the soldiers who are left in this city, and all the people, by speaking such things to them.' " —Jeremiah 38:4
The Lord commands us to speak the truth in love (Eph 4:15). If we fail to try to dissuade others from their wicked conduct, God holds us responsible for their deaths (Ez 3:18). We must be men and women of the truth.
However, in a world of lies, the truth and those who speak it are rejected. For example, Jeremiah spoke the truth and was thrown into a muddy cistern where he was left to starve (Jer 38:6, 9). Often when we speak the truth, our families will reject us. "A household of five will be divided three against two and two against three" (Lk 12:52). Therefore, we naturally don't want to speak the truth, although the Lord holds us responsible to do so.
The only Way out of this dilemma is Jesus, Who is not only truthful but the Truth Himself (Jn 14:6). He is the Truth Who sets us free (Jn 8:32). In Jesus, in the Truth, we will speak and live the truth, no matter if we have to die for the truth (see Sir 4:28). Our love for Jesus will make us true. Because God is Love (1 Jn 4:16), we have the courage to live for God, the Truth. Speak and do the truth in love (Eph 4:15).
Prayer: Father, in the name of Jesus, I receive the Spirit of Truth (see Jn 14:17).
Promise: "For the sake of the joy which lay before Him He endured the cross, heedless of its shame. He has taken His seat at the right of the throne of God. Remember how He endured the opposition of sinners; hence do not grow despondent or abandon the struggle. In your fight against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood." —Heb 12:2-4
Praise: Praise You, risen Jesus, our Redeemer! You atoned for our sins and paid our infinite debt of sin. Glory to You forever.
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 15, 2019
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