Saturday, June 5

They hate the one who reproves in the gate, and they abhor the one who speaks the truth.
—Amos 5:10

The truth is hard to hear. We would prefer others have the highest opinion of us, and attribute the highest motives to our actions. Even when we know ourselves or our actions to be less than optimal, we are clever at assigning plausible and defensible reasons for what we have done or not done. 

We are so clever, in fact, we are surprised, stunned, and even offended when someone tries to prove differently. We are so clever that we are able to convince ourselves that what is right is wrong, and what is wrong is right.

We want to be rid of the bearer of truth, because we feel like the edges of our autonomy have been rubbed raw. How can we hide from the glare of that truth? How can we repair what is falling apart before our very eyes? How can we face up to our own lies, and our own truth? How will we bear the consequences? How can we wipe the slate clean and begin again?

God promises always to forgive when we are willing to face the truth in ourselves and in our actions. There is always the chance for a new start. We can never sink so low that we are beyond the grasp of Love. 

When we find ourselves despising the one who confronts us with the truth, the first step toward wholeness will be letting the Love of heaven wash over us like a cleansing rain, so that we are able to hear the truth, love the truth-bearer, and let the truth transform us.

O God, let your love break through the shadows of untruth that hide the beauty of my soul from me.

These Signposts originally appeared on explorefaith in 2004.