Elul 11
Truth
“…let everyone express the truth
with his neighbor, for we are all parts of one body and members one of another.” (Eph 4:25 AMPC)
The word
that has been translated as ‘neighbor’ is the Greek word plēsion (Strong’s G4139), and literally means one that is close
by. It can also mean a fellow
countryman, such as a member of the Hebrew nation, or it can simply be a
neighbor. Regardless of the
interpretation of this word, the instructions remain concerning honesty and
truthfulness.
I have
written much in the past concerning the words that we speak, and the importance
of weighing our words before we speak
them. What I would like to turn our
focus on is the ‘neighbor’ that is not a Torah keeper, someone who does not
believe the way that we do. I am
relatively certain that I am not the
only who has been ‘put on the spot’ concerning why I believe the way I believe, and why I do the things that I do.
And the question of the hour is how
do I respond?
Do I
express the truth, according to Torah – in love – or do I merely give my
opinion? Am I arrogant and filled with
superiority as I relay my beliefs to someone who is seeking truthful
answers? And is my attitude the best Torah example that I can show
to this person? Our opening verse states
that we are all members of the same body, all part of one another. Am I loving my neighbor as myself?
“Show mishpochah (family) affection
to one another in ahavah shel achvah (brotherly love). Be first in esteeming
one another, in showing mutual respect.” (Rom 12:10 OJB)
“Be kindly affectioned one to
another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another …” (Rom 12:10 LBP)
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