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WHEN TRUTH HURTS “Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?” — Galatians 4:16 KJV Truth is not designed to destroy us. Truth is designed to deliver us. Jesus said, “the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). But when a person has lived in sin for a long time, truth can become very painful to hear. The problem is not the truth. The problem is what the truth exposes. When we become comfortable with sin, we also become comfortable with the excuses that protect it. Then someone opens the Bible and tells us the truth. Suddenly, our excuses are challenged, our conscience is stirred, and our sin is exposed.That hurts. The temptation is to become angry with the person who told us the truth. Paul experienced exactly that: “Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?” But the preacher, friend, parent, or Christian who tells you the truth is not necessarily your enemy. The truth that hurts you today may be the very truth God uses to rescue you tomorrow. A doctor may have to touch the place that hurts to discover what is wrong. Likewise, the Word of God reaches into places we would rather leave untouched: “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword...” — Hebrews 4:12 KJV Don't reject truth merely because it hurts. Ask why it hurts. It may be touching the very thing that needs to change. Sin says, “Leave me alone.” Pride says, “Don't judge me.” Truth says, “This must change.” Grace says, “God can change you.”Truth may wound our pride, expose our sin, and tear down our excuses—but its purpose is not to leave us wounded. God uses truth to bring us out of the darkness and into the light.