Speak the Truth in Love

There are those who believe sincerity can be dangerous in certain situations, perhaps even fatal. Hence the doctrine of ‘the little white lie’ and so people are encouraged to shade the truth. Of course, their argument is to spare the feelings of those who would dare ask “the truth is going to hurt” questions such as:

• Do I look like I gained weight?
• How do you like my cooking?
• Does this make me look fat?
• How did you like my speech?
• Do you like the present I gave you?
• How do you like my new haircut? ...or hair color?

Although, I don’t think the bluntness of the little boy who said out loud, “The emperor is naked” is always the correct approach, I do believe in every situation the truth should be told.

To lie is to say an untrue statement with the intent to deceive. I ask which is more harmful, to deceive someone or to risk hurting their feelings? However, being truthful is never an excuse to be unkind. The ‘tactless’ person is just as harmful as the ‘deceitful’ person is in any situation.

Speak clearly, if you speak at all; carve every word before you let it fall.
-Oliver Wendell Holmes

The correct carving tool is Love.