"Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of His body, the church."

– Ephesians 4:15

Let’s be honest—telling the truth isn’t always easy. It’s often much more tempting to sweep it under the rug or dodge it altogether.

Why? Because we fear what might happen when the truth comes to light. We worry it might upset someone, disrupt harmony, or make things awkward.

But here’s the thing: when we prioritize harmony over honesty, we don’t get true peace. We get false peace. And false peace doesn’t last—it’s like patching a hole in the wall with tape instead of filling it properly. Eventually, the cracks show, and when they do, the damage is far worse than if we had addressed it head-on from the start.

Why Do We Hide the Truth?

Sometimes, we hide the truth because we don’t trust how others will handle it. We assume their reaction will be negative, so we avoid the risk. Other times, we don’t communicate the truth well—we might come across as harsh or insensitive, so we just avoid the conversation entirely. And, let’s be honest, there are moments when hiding the truth is about control. If we can manage the narrative, we feel safer.

But here’s the kicker: when we withhold truth, we’re not protecting others—we’re holding back their growth and our own.

Why Should We Share the Truth?

When we speak the truth in love, we grow into the likeness of Christ. He didn’t shy away from hard truths, but He always spoke them with love and compassion. Truth doesn’t kill peace; it cultivates it. It prepares the soil of relationships so they can grow stronger, healthier, and more authentic.

Think of the people who have spoken truth into your life—not to shame you, but to encourage you, challenge you, and help you become better. It’s not easy to hear, but it’s worth it.

How Should We Share the Truth?

This is where love and clarity come in. Sharing truth with love means your goal isn’t to win an argument or prove a point. It’s to bring out the best in the other person. Love takes the time to consider their heart, their story, and their perspective.

Clarity means being intentional. Instead of sugarcoating or beating around the bush, we craft our words in a way that’s honest but kind. It means finding the right time, tone, and approach for the person you’re speaking to. Truth spoken carelessly can feel like a weapon, but truth spoken with clarity and love feels like light breaking through darkness.

So, the next time you feel tempted to hide the truth, ask yourself: am I choosing false peace over real growth? Remember, the truth—when shared with love—has the power to bring life, freedom, and genuine peace. Let’s lean into that, even when it’s hard.