Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 19-20; Luke 21:20-38.
Memory Verse: “In that thou lovest thine enemies, and hatest thy friends. For thou hast declared this day, that thou regardest neither princes nor servants: for this day I perceive, that if Absalom had lived, and all we had died this day, then it had pleased thee well.” 2 Samuel 19:6 (KJV).
The world is perverse and many people, including those who professed to be Christians, are often afraid to speak the truth when it matters. Rather, they say things that their superior wants to hear and that has contributed immensely to the perverseness of the world. The world needs those who will speak the truth and stand by it no matter the consequence. The Bible says only those who speak the truth can dwell in the holy hill of God. ( Psalm 15:1-2)
Imagine what the whole world will look like if all the Christians speak the truth always. I remember those days that whenever an employer needed someone who was honest, he would ask the church to give them someone. But things have changed! Church workers compromise easily these days. We have situations where ministers of the gospel steal money from their employers and do thanksgiving. Sometimes ago, a head usher in a Pentecostal church was caught stealing offering! And we say prayers are not answered! John 9:31 (KJV) says, “Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.” As long as you do not speak the truth and live a life of holiness, your prayers may not be answered by God. Now some generally do not speak the truth at all while others speak depending on the circumstance. If it will hurt them, they will not or if they perceive the person concerned will not like it, they will not speak the truth. Such a person cannot claim to be a true Christian because the Bible says all liars will end up in lake of fire ( Revelation 21:8).
As children of God, you are expected to speak the truth all the time and especially to those in authority over you. This will help them to amend their ways and if they do not, it will stand against them.
In our Bible passage of 2 Samuel 19; David was carried away by emotions and would have created a greater problem for himself if Joab did not speak the truth to him to show that he valued the lives of his soldiers. Specifically in 2 Samuel 19:6 (KJV), Joab said to David: “In that thou lovest thine enemies, and hatest thy friends. For thou hast declared this day, that thou regardest neither princes nor servants: for this day I perceive, that if Absalom had lived, and all we had died this day, then it had pleased thee well.” He further told him to rise and speak comfortably to the soldiers who fought the battle and David reluctantly obeyed.
Though it was a tough call, but it needed to be done to save the situation that day. Sometimes, speaking the truth to power could be costly as you may lose your job, relationship, freedom or even life. Where the consequences could be grave, it is important to seek God’s direction on how to handle the matter and he will surely direct you. (Psalm 32:8).
Prayer point: Father, in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, please give me the grace to speak the truth always.
Bro. Biodun Oyapero