There’s been an uprising of truth tellers lately.

Look around and you might see one side of people that don’t care about truth, any truth, they are going about their lives. There is another side of people that deeply cares about truth, any topic, and wants to convince the world of it.

For those that don’t pursue truth, why? What are you basing your decisions on?

For those that want to spread truth, why? What are you basing your motivation on?

If you are in the latter category, what moves you to speak up? And where are you getting your truth from? How do you  know if that truth is the actual truth?

Let’s backup.

In my life, there are several reasons I might want to share something I find is true.

1. I’m excited about it and how it changed my life and I want to joyously scream it from the rooftop so all can experience.
2. I see the desperation or struggle that others are going through and since I have the answer I want to help.
3. Truth sets you free, right? If that’s true then I have an obligation to speak the truth. Especially when it comes to the Truth of God.

On the surface these all sound like legit and even redeemable reasons to speak truths. But what’s behind each of these statements?

Me. I’m excited. I see. I want to help. I have an obligation.

So what’s wrong with this Jennifer, you may ask. My response is back to asking, what is your motivation for others to see truth?

We speak up about truth because there is an opportunity for transformation, healing, acceptance, honestly, light – in the truth. When we speak up about the Truth of God because we are called to love others and let his Truth be known.

Again back to my motivation. Am I to convince people of His truth? Or am I to treat others the same way God treats me?

With an iron rod to KNOW THE TRUTH? Or with a whisper to invite others into a relationship with Him?

Many of you reading might say, well both.

In my experience when I brought out my rod the only thing it did was create more enemies and push people farther away.

Who are you to tell me what to do? Why should I listen to you? If this is the way you treat people I don’t want to have anything to do with that.

These are all, among several others, responses I’ve gotten with an iron rod approach. Whether arguing a stance in the office, discussing a topical debate, talking politics, and especially talking about love and Christ.

Where am I going with this?

Yes absolutely truth is important. No doubt. 

But.

If our goal is for someone to change it may fall flat or even worse scare them away.

If our goal is to share the truth in an inviting way, the focus is no longer on me. It is on them.

This invitation opens the door for someone to listen.

How do we invite?

Meet people where they are.

There are so many reasons why someone may see a topic from their lens. Their culture, their upbringing, their family, a childhood trauma, an inflicted wound. They could be struggling with something within they haven’t dealt with or possibly haven’t even seen. The list goes on.

To be effective in speaking truth, or any topic for that matter, an invitation is vital.

Understand where they are coming from. What makes them think that way? Look to understand their point of view. Listen, really listen, before speaking.

In the occasions I’m told, “You’re wrong. This is the right way. Do it now. This is how you should think,” this is the first and last time I will listen to that person, and then I will walk in the opposite direction. 

Why would anyone want to listen to that approach?

When someone comes to me because they care more about me that what they have to say, this is when I listen, and want to stay and soak it in.