It is often considered unloving to tell someone the truth if what they believe or do is inconsistent with it.
As a side note, isn’t it interesting that telling someone the truth when they are happy to hear it is considered kind?
As God’s people, which should we choose? Love or truth?
Splitting love and truth is a false division. You can’t have one without the other.
Second John 6 ties them together this way:
“This is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, that as you have heard from the beginning, you should walk in it.” (2 Jn 6, Unless otherwise stated: Scripture is taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Used by permission. All rights reserved)
We are to love others AND have a love for the truth (2 Thes 2:9-12).
Anyone who cares should be compelled to lead the ones they love to the truth kindly.
Not telling the truth when it is necessary is unloving.
Telling the truth unlovingly is not consistent with the truth.
You can read this short book of Second John in one sitting, but it takes a lifetime to use it. How would applying its balance of teaching change our day-to-day discourse?
Love enough to be true and be true enough to love,
Van
