Standing on Truth

5/24/2023

Written By: April Mills

Recently, a friend and I were engaged in a deep conversation regarding several hot topic social issues that seem to be everywhere we look. We found relief and comfort that we could express ourselves freely, knowing the other was coming from a place of biblical truth. These topics can be tricky to discuss, so I was encouraged that we could speak so openly. At least, I thought I could speak openly. While we were touching on a particular topic, my friend suddenly closed down the conversation by saying, “It’s not my place to judge…”.

I felt dumbfounded by the sudden shift in the mood. I could feel that the door of conversation had been firmly slammed shut and my friend had grown cold toward me. I quickly analyzed my words, and went back over everything I said in my mind. Was I judging? There was no slander, no hate speech, no unkind words. I didn’t devalue anyone. I was not zealous, overbearing or arrogant in my stance. I have to be honest-her comment stung a bit. I always try to let my love of people-all people-radiate first in these types of conversations, and try to articulate myself thoughtfully and carefully.

What could have happened to cause my friend to have a sudden change of heart? I soon found out. My friend has a close friend struggling in a certain area of sin and the conversation touched a nerve. When it came to this certain topic, her convictions fell away and she was surprisingly undecided. Suddenly, my friend was caught between loyalty to her friend-and loyalty to the Gospel.

How many times have we used the “It’s not my place to judge” card to excuse ourselves from an uncomfortable conversation? We use it as a tool to quickly back step out of a potentially sticky situation and wave it as a license to remain neutral. On the flip side, how many times have we expressed how we feel, but then followed up with this phrase to soften what was said? We express our convictions and then slap this phrase on the end to make sure no one thinks we are casting a harsh judgment.

Friend, let me tell you this. It is ok to stand on biblical truth and disagree with some of the things we see in society today. It is ok to believe marriage is holy, and between one man and one woman. It is ok to want to protect the sanctity of life. It is ok to be angry at the heartbreak and destruction addiction causes in lives all around us. It is ok to believe a boy born a boy is indeed a boy, and the same for girls born as girls.

There are so many topics we could cover, but you get the point. It isn’t judging someone if you are simply convicted by the truth, which is revealed to us in the Word of God and by the power of the Holy Spirit. This isn’t judgement-this is discernment and submission to God’s word.

Now, let’s cover what isn’t acceptable. It isn’t ok to look down at our neighbors who may be struggling in one of these areas. It isn’t ok for us to think of ourselves as better or superior because we don’t struggle like that person or like that person over there. We all have our own struggles and inner demons. It isn’t ok to treat someone as if they have no worth because you don’t agree with their lifestyle or choices. And it’s never ok to spew hate out of our mouths or harbor it in our hearts.

Now, if we are standing and acting on biblical truth, ALL biblical truth, then we won’t have to worry about speaking hatefully or acting in a way that is unbecoming of our Lord. You can’t embrace only the truth that validates your argument then leave out what Jesus said about loving others.

When we encounter someone who causes a reaction in our spirit and heart due to lifestyle or choices, I encourage you to remember that person is of value and worth. In fact, they are so valuable that the Lord Jesus himself suffered tremendously and died for them. Let this be what you see first. I pray you see what is valuable, not what is offensive. If we can adopt this line of sight, our hearts will surely follow.

Let’s pray and seek wisdom on how to handle these difficult conversations. Let’s not shy away from them because they are uncomfortable, but let’s decide how we can best be an example of Christ and His truth. Let’s determine we will be ambassadors of truth, love and holiness.

Ephesians 4:14-16

14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.