a half-truth is a half-lie

Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. (Ephesians 4:15)

"in China i learned how to shut up---" i began.

"WOW! WOW! Wow, i congratulate you teci, that's really great! That's ENORMOUS spiritual maturity for you...Congratulations! That's great! You have enough truth already, now it's time for kindness and love," my friend kept on gushing.

As proof that i learned how to shut up, i let her finish ;p

Actually, i couldn't stop laughing! Here's someone who really knew me and all the grief i caused by speaking my mind carelessly and immediately to any creature with ears. Or eyes, when i'm blogging. Never mind that they don't want to know what i think. They have to know the truth!!! (No wonder my favorite mutants are girl telepaths!)

Incidentally, this was the same friend who shared months ago that, complementary to mine, her own struggle was to speak up. She'd rather show the love of God through her good deeds, but she knew that "the Good News" takes more than goodness (which the world already knows about anyway).

Balance. Not just truth but love.

Soundness.

For God has not given us a spirit of fear; but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7)

Like the God of justice AND mercy. Not just one or the other.

Because a half-truth is a half-lie. As a messenger, i should be more careful. We all do :)