ORACLES: Lesson 38

If you give a new meaning to something when there is confrontation it means you lied.

How bold most of us are without opposition! People say whatever they want until confronted. Then—tone changes, curtness subsides, courage shrinks, and attitudes change—and rightly so in most situations. What should not change however is the truth. Paul said, “what we are in word by letters when we are absent, such we will be indeed when we are present.” (2 Corinthians 10:11) And this should be your standing too!

Whether you’re being challenged with something you said, or whether you’re being asked to repeat something you said, your ability to remain in the truth speaks to your integrity and maturity. Therefore, own your words even if they were wrong when you said them and you must repent! Don’t change your position because you’ve been asked to repeat it—even if under hostile circumstances. You were either wrong or right, but tell the truth regardless.

Proverbs 15:1 says, “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” In other words, God expects us to strike the balance when we speak the truth from our heart (Psalm 15:1-3). We’re admonished to speak the truth in love, to speak with grace, seasoning our words with salt and knowing how to answer anyone (Colossians 4:6). Yet, none of that means change what you said. Be honest and own your words.

God honors those who fear Him enough to swear to his own hurt without change (Psalm 15:4). When you change your position, not only are you lying but you’re compromising yourself and your perspective—a perspective that may be right, befitting and necessary for the health, healing and wholeness of another person or situation.

The key is to maintain truth and present it in a manner wherein it can be received. “A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, and a word spoken in due season, how good it is!” (Proverbs 15:23)