Give Me the Truth!

If you are my friend, if you are concerned about my soul, give me the truth.  Do not flatter me.  Do not praise my virtues while remaining silent about my vices.  Do not fear the truth will offend me.  Do not treasure our friendship, our friendly relations, above my salvation.  Do not think that by ignoring my sins, you can help me.  Do not think that being blind to my sins will prove you charitable.  However I may react to it, whatever may be my attitude toward you after you have done it, GIVE ME THE TRUTH!

For the truth, and only the truth, can make me free from the shackles of sin, strengthen me in the pathway of righteousness and lead me to the joys of heaven.  If I am wavering, weak, lukewarm, indifferent, neglectful; if I have been overtaken in a trespass; if I have been drawn into the pleasures of the world; if I have left my first love; if I have been led astray by error, or, if I have done none of these things, but simply need to grow in knowledge and then be edified, GIVE ME THE TRUTH!

--Bill Crews (Is it Lawful?, p. 5)