Speaking the truth often ignites fierce opposition, as seen when Pope Benedict XVI quoted a fourteenth-century Byzantine Emperor critiquing Islam, sparking widespread protest and accusations of bigotry from the Muslim world. Across history and into modern times, voices like Winston Churchill and contemporary radio hosts, columnists, and politicians have faced similar castigation for their candid observations about Islam, branded as intolerant or mendacious. In America, organizations like the Council on American-Islamic Relations work tirelessly to protest truthful statements in the media, successfully pressuring outlets to issue apologies and tone down rhetoric. This fear of offending has led to official policies, such as the Bush Administration's repeated assertion that Islam is a religion of peace, despite historical and current evidence of conflict and aggression associated with it. More broadly, those who dare to speak truth are often considered dangerous and must be silenced through ridicule, discrediting, or demands for apologies and resignations. When these methods fail, intimidation, threats, violence, and even murder become tools of suppression, as evidenced by the fates of Theo van Gogh and Pim Fortuyn in the Netherlands for their outspokenness on Islamic fundamentalism. This silencing extends beyond religion into every facet of life, particularly in areas of lifestyle and morality, where authoritative truth draws persecution. In these days of tolerance and liberal humanism, anyone speaking with conviction risks becoming a target, facing not only social backlash but also legal consequences or physical harm in various settings, from urban neighborhoods to college campuses.

As we strive to move forward to perfection, as encouraged in Hebrews 6:1, we must apply spiritual principles in our lives, especially in the use of the tongue, which often leads us into trouble. Jesus teaches in Matthew 7:6 to be wise in sharing His truth, cautioning us not to give what is holy to dogs or cast pearls before swine, lest they trample them and turn to tear us apart. He urges us to assess our audience, discerning whether they will be receptive or antagonistic before speaking His Word. In Luke 4:16-29, Jesus faced violent rejection from His neighbors in Nazareth for the truth He spoke, a reaction that recurred during His ministry, ultimately leading to His crucifixion. He warns in John 16:2 that some will think they serve God by harming us, reminding us that if the world did this to Him, it will do the same to His servants. Our Savior expects us to consider carefully to whom we speak, advising us to back away if they are uninterested, deeply entrenched in false beliefs, or outright hostile. Solomon's counsel in Proverbs 26:4-5 guides us further, instructing us not to answer a fool according to his folly, lest we become like him, but to respond wisely if our silence would affirm his error or if a proper answer could guide him rightly. We must develop the wisdom to know when to speak and when to remain silent, ensuring our responses are meaningful and not descending to foolish levels. In presenting our answers, I Peter 3:15 advises us to sanctify the Lord God in our hearts, honoring Him above all, and to respond with meekness and reverential fear, maintaining self-control and humility. We should address only what is asked, avoiding unnecessary elaboration that might invite further conflict. Through practice, as Hebrews 5:14 suggests, we will grow in handling responses about God's Word, representing Him with wisdom and finding joy in a word spoken in due season, as Proverbs 15:23 affirms.

In the journey to embody the new self, as urged by the apostle Paul, we must cast aside the deceitful ways of the old man and embrace truth in all our interactions. Each one of us is called to speak truth with one another and about one another, avoiding half-truths, shaded truths, talebearing, bearing false witness, hypocrisy, and deception. These corrupt practices have no place in the life of a true follower of Christ and are the very reasons we distrust worldly leaders; they must not cause distrust among us as brethren. Paul exhorts us in Ephesians to put off the old self, which belongs to our former manner of life, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God. He specifically instructs us, beginning in verse 25, to stop lying and to see to it that we always speak the truth. This is not merely a suggestion but a duty and responsibility placed directly upon us. We are to put away lying and speak only the truth because we are spiritual brothers and sisters in Christ, united as members of one another. The application of truth is paramount; it is not enough to merely know or intellectually appreciate it. Truth must be lived out in every aspect of our conduct, every day, in every place. If we fail to apply it, we reveal a lack of true understanding. Our commitment to truth must be established in our hearts, forming the core of our character, so that corrupt words, gossip, half-truths, and distorted stories have no foothold among us. Lying, in all its forms, is destructive to the fellowship and unity of the church. It undermines trust, the foundation of true fellowship, making open and free communication impossible. Half-truths, shaded truths, gossiping, bearing false witness, hypocrisy, and deception should not exist at all among us. As Paul declares, let each one of us speak truth to one another, for we are members of one another, bound by love and truth in our shared life in Christ.