It is important to know what’s true. But wisdom comes from properly knowing how to wield truth. And we’re no longer operating in love when we simply demand truth without also considering its relational cost.
For example, Jesus once confessed that he had much he still wanted to tell his disciples, but he also recognized they we’re not able to bear it at that time. And he left this truth to be revealed later by the work of the Spirit.
And this is the wisdom and discernment we need as well. This is perhaps easier to see with children, as we provide age-appropriate instruction and correction. It would overwhelm them to give them truth they’re not yet able to handle or process. But this same principle is true throughout all of our relationships.
For instance, we might notice growth areas for our wife. And objectively we might be naming issues that are true, good, and in her best interest. But love also calls for us to consider when and how these issues are brought up, and even if it’s our place to bring them up. Maybe our role is simply to pray for her to have a receptive heart as the Spirit does his job to convict her. Either way, it’s not helpful to force truth down her throat she’s not able to receive right now.
Likewise, this wisdom is sometimes for our own sakes as well. We’re taught not to throw our pearls to the pigs, or to waste what’s holy on dogs. As such, it might be an act of loving ourselves and guarding our own hearts by filtering what we share with others. Not everyone is able to appreciate our story – the things we’ve been through or currently struggling with. And it would not be helpful to share this truth with an audience of proverbial pigs.
In the end, whatever it looks like, we must learn to handle truth with wisdom and love. Just because something is true doesn’t mean it needs to be spoken right now.
