Speaking Truth Graciously (TT)

 

There are white lies and half truths that are still not truth.  These are often told in order to spare the hearer from shock or shame, or the teller from retribution and incrimination.  But they seem to be considered 'ok' by many in society and even in families.

On the other hand, some folks believe in telling the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.  Well, isn't that good and righteous, especially if you are a child of God and a follower of Jesus Christ?

Of course we need to tell the truth but do we have to be tactless?  Some people have few to no inhibitions to then speak blatant truth.  Truth can hurt us.  That's right.  

Like Deborah Smith Pegues shares in her book 30 Days To Taming YOUR Tongue, 

"How painful are honest words" Job exclaimed (Job 6 25 NIV)!

So how can we tell the truth diplomatically, in a less painful manner and not be deceitful?  Pegues suggest a balancing between grace and truth; let them work together.

Certainly, if we are quick to listen and slow to become angry and slow to speak, we will be able to have time to think and to form our words in less hasty manner allowing for greater diplomacy in what and how we bring truth to another in a loving and caring attitude and speech.

Definitely, time to consult the Lord for His grace and wisdom for what to say is needed, as well.  I think of Nehemiah, the cupbearer to King Artaxerxes.  Nehemiah had prayed for days when he heard the Jerusalem wall was still in ruins.  He said that he,

"sat down and wept.  For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven ..." (Nehemiah 1:4 NIV).

Time and prayer and true emotion expressed.  He was in the right frame of mind even though the King noted his sadness and asked him what was wrong.  Nehemiah still didn't blurt out an answer.  He said a quick prayer for God's help, showing his dependence upon God.

"Then I prayed to the God of heaven, and I answered the king ..."                       (Nehemiah 2:4 & 5 NIV).

This is a good habit to form as we watch our words, so we can speak with greater tact, balancing truth with grace.  After all,

"...grace and truth came through Jesus Christ" (John 1:17)

Pegues notes.

He's our example and it's needful to go to Him for grace and truth.

I like what else Pegues says about engaging grace and truth simultaneously.  She says,

"We must understand that extending grace and telling the truth are not mutually exclusive concepts.  We can tell the truth tactfully ... Jesus never allowed His graciousness to prevent Him from imparting the truth" (p. 72).

Practice makes perfect, they say. So when opportunities for speaking truth graciously, with tact, come our way, let us remember to put this knowledge into practice.  White lies and half truths will NOT be needed and we will be encouraged to speak the truth in love, seasoned with the salt of grace.  

Let's make it a prayer, asking the Lord for His wisdom and grace to be infused into our thoughts, hearts and tongues.

Dear Heavenly Father, we are often so quick to speak our minds.  As your children we also want to speak truth but often go about it tactlessly.  Remind us to use grace and to stop and think and pray and seek Your wisdom as the opportunities arise.  We ask in Jesus' name, amen.

                                                     ~ ERC  June 2025 ~

Based on Nehemiah 1:1-4; 2:1-4 NIV and John 1:14 & 17 NIV.  Also, Deborah Smith Pegues' book 30 Days To Taming YOUR Tongue, Day 17 - The Tactless Tongue.

Sing, I Can Do All Things, along with Christian Music, Strive to Be.

Link:  Half-Truths.