Let’s get one thing straight – telling lies, withholding the truth, or distorting the truth is not an act of love. The truth sets us and others free. The truth brings light and liberty instead of darkness and captivity. Make no mistake, the truth is powerful.
But when the truth is wielded without love, it becomes power out of balance, out of sync. It becomes hard and loud, like a resounding gong on repeat, or a clashing cymbal that never stops. What do you do when you hear something unbearably loud or discordant? You cover your ears. You make it stop. You distance yourself from it.
If not corrected, if not harmonized by love, then the power of truth will come to nothing. For “without love, we are nothing.”
To love another starts with awareness of the other. It begins with seeing and seeking to understand.
We all know it…
Love is humble, gentle, patient, kind, compassionate, courteous, respectful, and self-sacrificial. Love does not envy or boast. Love is not proud. Love endures much, bears much, perseveres through much. Love absorbs pain. But it does not delight in evil. Love keeps no record of wrongs. Love protects, trusts, hopes. Love heals, nurtures, grows. Love desires what’s best for the other.
Looking at that list, which is harder? To know the truth? Or to love?
Truth without love is impotent. Love without truth isn’t love.
Together, “love rejoices with the truth.”