Monday, June 10, 2013 [Truth]
Acts 7:30-50 (cf. Acts 6:1-8:2)
Stephen was "a man full of God's grace and power, [who] did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people" and spoke with the power and wisdom of the Holy Spirit (Acts 6:8, 10). The smartest guys around couldn't argue with the words that God spoke through him or the witness of God's power through the miracles that God did through him. That's because they were really trying to argue with the Lord, God! So, in order to silence Stephen, they arrested him on false charges. Why were they so angry? Why so offended?
There's an old adage that says, "The truth hurts."
Why does it hurt so much? One reason is this: once confronted with the truth we have to make a decision – either continue living in error or change. Another reason is pride: most people do not like to hear that they are wrong about anything.
LOVE always tells the truth.
The rich young man in Mark 10:17-22 came to Jesus asking what he must do to have eternal life in heaven. The young man had kept the commandments, but his heart was out of place. Mark writes, "Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him, 'You lack one thing.' " Jesus' love for this man would not allow him to withhold the truth.
"If you continue in My [Jesus'] word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know THE TRUTH, and the truth will make you free." (John 8:31-32, NASB; emphasis mine.)
Some people, and sometimes you and I, don't want to hear the truth because it hurts to see our wrongs, our errors…our dirt. But, if we want to be free we will seek the truth. And, if we are compassionate enough to want others to be free we will tell them the truth, as well. It's a love thing.
Lord, help us to love like You do and to receive Your love willingly.
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"I am the way and THE TRUTH and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6, NLT; emphasis mine)
"Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry." (James 1:19)
"For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear." (2 Timothy 4:3)
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"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace" (Numbers 6:24-26)
Kenny Sullivan
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