One Day Nearer: 10 Devotions in Anticipation of Jesus’ Glorious ReturnSýnishorn

Day 4: True Compassion Speaks the Truth

In today’s culture, many of us, as Christians, are torn about taking a stand for biblical values because we do not want to be viewed as judgmental. Rather than risk the consequences of offending someone for their ungodly beliefs or behavior, we wonder if we should stay silent. There are some who say it is better that we not voice our convictions, no matter how graciously we try to do so. They reason, “If we can show people just how loving we are, maybe they’ll become more attracted to the Christian faith.”

But is that line of reasoning valid? When we attempt to please people rather than God, we end up letting culture influence the church rather than being a church that influences culture. To do this is to exhibit worldly compromise rather than godly compassion. It is to allow the world to redefine love on its own terms rather than on biblical terms.

Worldly love says we should not disagree with another person’s views and behaviors no matter what. This kind of love indulges a person’s sinful views and desires and does not line up with God’s definition of love. Scripture says God’s kind of love cannot be separated from what is true. First Corinthians 13:6 says that love “rejoices with the truth.” Ephesians 4:15 says we’re to speak the truth in love. It is entirely possible for us to be truthful and loving at the same time.

Imagine Jesus failing to tell people that their sins would lead to eternal condemnation. That wouldn’t have been compassionate. The most loving thing we can do as believers is to direct people away from error and toward truth because their eternal destiny is at stake. That requires addressing their sin, and it can be done in love—godly love.

To be loving, we must be truthful. And when we speak the truth, we must do so with the right balance of grace and conviction. That’s the nature of true and godly compassion.