When Truth Sounds Like Hate: A Biblical Reflection

It is not uncommon to hear in our culture today, “that’s your truth,” as though truth always subjective and bendable to a person’s own preference. However, as believers, we hold fast to a Biblical worldview where truth is absolute and is rooted in the infallible, inherent Word of God, which reveals His unchanging sovereignty. Yet, proclaiming this truth sometimes provokes frustration, backlash, anger, accusation, or draws accusations of being unkind or hateful. Why is that?

The Scriptures gives us understanding to this. The reality is that truth can sound like hate to those who hate truth.

Why Does Truth Offend?

In John 3:19-20, Jesus says: " And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. 20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed.”

Jesus tells us why truth often provokes hostility. People naturally tend to resist truth when it exposes sin or challenges their world view. The light of truth will reveal what is hidden in the dark, something a sinful heart does not want to face. Rather than being drawn to the light, many reject the light calling it judgmental or hateful.

Truth and Love Are Inseparable

When we live in the Scriptures, we see that Biblical truth is always paired with love. We are to “speak the truth in love,” (Eph. 4:15), “abide in love,” (1 Jn. 4:16), “to stir up one another to love,” (Heb. 10:24), “bearing with one another in love,” (Eph. 4:2), “Love your enemies,” (Lk. 6:27).

When we share God’s truth, it should come from a genuine care and concern for a person’s wellbeing. It should never come from pride, self-righteousness, or boasting. Nor should it ever be given under the guise of saying what you want and call it “love.”

Don’t get me wrong, when truth is delivered with love, it can still sting. Which is why sharing love must also come with wisdom and a genuine heart.

Consider Hebrews 4:12: " For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

The truth of God’ Word is the surgical utensil the heart needs. We must allow the deep cuts of truth to confront sin so that we are led to repentance. Conviction is painful, but necessary for healing and redemption.

Jesus: The Perfect Example

The perfect example is found in our Lord and Savior. Jesus Himself faced a lot of hostility for speaking the truth, and still does today!

In John 8 Jesus was questioning the Jews of the day on their “truth,” exposing their hypocrisy and disjointed position with God’s Word. The response of these people? They accused Jesus of having a demon. He exposed truth to them, but because they hated truth, they then hated Christ. He says:

John 8:40; "But now you seek to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God.”

Truth revealed what was hidden deep within the recesses of their heart. The people’s hatred for Christ wasn’t because he was hateful or unkind, it was because His truth threatened their own subjective truth, their own wants, and their own desires. This example reminds believers that even when we share truth, and do it in a Christ-like manner, it can still be rejected.

How Should We Respond?

So, how do we respond? When we are faced with the accusation that biblical truth is “hateful,” what tools has God granted to us to stand firm and be a light on a hill? Here are a few suggestions:

The Importance of Deep, Sound Theology

In a world where spiritual convictions often cater to short lasting trends, personal preferences and desires, the call for deep, sound theology seems to be ever more urgent.  Theology, our understanding of who god is and how He relates to us, shapes every aspect of our lives. From the way we live, act, speak, worship, the decisions we make, the relationships we have, all of it is founded upon our convictions, Christian and non-Christian. Which is why it is extremely important for Christians to know what they believe and why so that their convictions reflect the truth of the Gospel in all of those whings. Our theology is the foundation upon which our faith is built and is the lens through which we see the world. 

A couple of thoughts:

 

1. Theology Grounds Us in Truth

Having a deep, sound theology prepares believers to discern truth in an ocean of misinformation.  This is what Paul encouraged Timothy to do, “Guard the good deposit entrusted to you” (2 Timothy 1:14). Theology is not an ancient exercise, is should be a constant, and consistent exercise that safeguards the heart of a believer against false teaching and shallow thinking. Spiritual milk is good for basic nutrition, but believers must grow in their faith. We need to have a healthy diet of spiritual meat. Without it, we risk becoming spiritually malnourished, crafting a god of our own imagination, one that conforms to our desires rather than calling us to conform to His will.

 

The consistent, intentional study of God’s Word brings us before the throne of grace of the God who is, not the god we prefer. His Word is a lamp unto our feet and a light that guides our path, leading us to the unbending truths of His sovereignty, holiness, justice, and love.

 

2. Theology Impacts Our Worship

 

What we believe about God directly impacts the way we worship Him. A shallow understanding of our Creator leads to shallow worship, often marked by emotional “highs” where there is a feeling of disappointment where you didn’t “get anything” out of a service. We do not come together to worship the Creator and Sustainer of the cosmos to “get something” but to give our everything! 

 

Please do not hear me wrong, there is nothing wrong with becoming a blubbering, wet cheeked, throat tightened worshiper when you hear the Gospel for the 100^th time , those are truly Holy Spirit convicted moments. But there is a difference between sensationalism “feels” when a musician offers a solo and a heart breaking conviction when reminded He saved a “wretch like me.”

 

Sound theology leads to worship, with substance. We become filled with awe as we reflect on the majesty and beauty of our amazing God. His unchanging nature, His infinite wisdom, His uncontested Sovereignty and unmatched grace is worthy of all glory, honor, and praise.

 

I don’t want to harp on the music of today. There are some that hold good theology, albeit they are few and far between, but consider some of the older hymns. They received their sustenance by drawing from the deep cool, refreshing waters of God’s Word. Their power came from the sound theology of the Scriptures: understanding that a sinner is saved solely by God’s grace. A believer who grasps the depth of their sin and the enormity of God’s mercy, worship then overflows with genuine gratitude and reverence.

 

3. Theology Shapes Our Lives

It should also be mentioned that theology is not just for the pew; it should be reflected in our lives. As our understanding of God deepens, our understanding of His desire for us becomes more clear. Sound theology reminds us that all things should be done to the glory of God alone. That is the chief end of man, to glorify God and enjoy him forever.

 

Consider the doctrine of God’s sovereignty. Knowing He is the owner, ruler and sustainer of all things, that nothing happens outside of his omniscience, we have an abundant joy and peace that surpasses all understanding. He is our joy, He gave it to us in abundance. He is our peace, He guards our hearts and mind. He is our confidence. He is our hope. Believers can face the day, as great or not so great it may be, with assurance that God is greater than our trials.

 

4. Theology Strengthens the Church

A church built on the preaching and teaching of sound theology stands firm when the pressure of culture increases. The church is not a building, it is the people of God (1 Cor. 1:2). When the church comes together they do so for the purpose of honoring and glorifying the Lord, nurturing their faith, equipping for ministry, and sharing in the community of fellowship. Without a sound deep theology, the church becomes susceptible to confusion, compromise and division. 

 

The Scriptures warn the church against being “tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes” (Eph. 4:14). A theologically stable church grows in maturity and Christ-likeness. Being a city on a hill, shining like stars, proclaiming the unchanging Gospel with clarity and certainty.

 

5. Theology Points Us to Christ

Ultimately, deep sound theology is about knowing Christ. This is what Jesus told us in John 17:3; “And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.”

 

Every passage, every doctrine, every theological truth points our hearts and minds to Christ. He is the Word made flesh, the one who fulfilled God’s promises, and is the center of all theology. The more we know Him, the more we love Him and desire Him above all things.

 

Deep, sound theology is not a luxury, it is a necessity for every believer. It is our anchor, our nourishment, it is our guide. Let us not be satisfied with surface-level spirituality, but let us dig deep into the riches of God’s inherent, infallible Word. Let us delight in beauty of His majesty. Let us drink full of the Living Water. In knowing Christ, we find hope, purpose, and life. 

 

As Charles Spurgeon once said, “The highest science, the loftiest speculation, the mightiest philosophy, which can ever engage the attention of a child of God, is the name, the nature, the person, the work, the doings, and the existence of the great God whom he calls his Father.” May we never grow weary of this pursuit.