how to tell the truth

Good morning!

“How to Tell the Truth” is a book I’ve been enjoying recently and something so obvious but also worth repeating is “how” you share the Truth,

The author, Preston Perry, grew up in the hood. His past was quite jaded. He didn’t have much exposure to church except for some negative experiences with a church that wanted to look good but really had some fake stuff going on. He encountered a regular guy just like himself, except this guy was different. He hooped (played basketball) in the worst neighborhoods with Preston, shared his faith with genuine care and love for the guys they did pick up games with, and lived a life that seemed to Preston to be better than he could quite understand.

As Preston had encounters with Jesus through this friend and in his own room by himself, he came to accept the Truth. Because of his passionate encounter with Christ and his natural sharing with others, he found himself sometimes in debates. He noticed how much he slanted toward wanting to win the debate, not the person’s heart. 

The friend that introduced him to Christ, called him on it, lovingly. He reminded him to study more on this key verse:

“Always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you: yet do it with gentleness and respect.” 1 Peter 3:15 ESV

As Preston shifted toward curiosity in his conversations with others and being genuinely interested in how the other person thought, it opened the conversations up and removed the walls of hostility that were there before.

He said that if someone gave you a gift in a garbage bag, you may not accept it. Remember that the way we speak and act is either going to present the Truth in a beautiful Tiffany’s box or in a garbage bag. Maybe what’s in there is the same but maybe the person won’t take the time to open up the Truth if it’s presented in a trashy way!

It is nice to know that we don’t have to have all the answers or always have a verse on the tip of our tongues. We just need to personally embrace the hope we have so that it spills out and that might peak someone’s interest. At that point, never be ashamed to say where it comes from. But always be respectful and gentle.

I haven't  always gotten that right. But, I am learning and grateful that God can mend the things I’ve messed up.

Gentleness is highly underrated! Let’s embrace it!