Why We Must Speak the Truth—Even When It Isn’t “Nice”

Introduction

We live in a culture where being “nice” is considered one of the highest virtues. It seems evident that the goal is to avoid offense, keep the peace, and make everyone feel good about themselves. While “niceness” may keep many happy, it often comes at the cost of truth. When truth is sacrificed for comfort, everyone ultimately suffers.

Now, more than ever, we need people (especially Christian ministers) who are willing to speak truth boldly, even when it isn’t perceived as polite.

 

Jesus Wasn’t “Nice”—He Was Faithful

It may come as a surprise, but “nice” isn’t a biblical word. Jesus didn’t call His followers to be agreeable; He called them to be faithful. Yes, we are commanded to love our neighbors (Mark 12:30-31). It is abundantly true that we are to be gentle, kind, and patient. But, that’s not the same as remaining silent when we should speak or watering down convictions to find acceptance.

Jesus didn’t tread lightly around the truth when He spoke to the religious leaders of His day. He called them out plainly: “You hypocrites…whitewashed tombs…blind guides” (see Matthew 23). Bold? Yes. Harsh? Yes (at least according to our culture). Unloving? Not at all. Jesus’ rebukes came from a heart that longed to speak the truth in love rather than to flatter. He said hard truths not to destroy but to awaken his audience to their sin so they might turn to the Father. Why should we be afraid to speak plainly if our Lord wasn’t afraid to do so?

One of the great lies of our day is that truth and love are opposites. Biblically speaking, the most loving thing you can do is speak the truth. 

If your friend was standing on the edge of a cliff, should you stay quiet because you don’t want to ruin the mood of the view? Of course not! You shout, plead, and warn. Why? Because love acts. Love tells the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable (Ps. 15; Rev. 2-3).

That illustration is simple, but the Apostle Paul writes in Ephesians 4:15 that we must “speak the truth in love.” This is not permission to be unnecessarily harsh or arrogant. It is a call to be clear and courageous. Love doesn’t avoid the truth. It delivers the truth with compassion and conviction.

 

The Danger Of Staying Silent

In today’s culture, silence can feel safer than speaking up. The pressure to conform is intense. Certain truths about morality, identity, salvation, and sin are no longer merely unpopular; they’re outright offensive. But, staying silent in the face of spiritual danger isn’t kindness; it’s compromise (see Revelation 2-3). When Christian ministers choose silence over boldness, we allow confusion to grow and error to spread. We may avoid conflict, but we also forfeit clarity. Eventually, people wonder: Do we believe what the Bible says? Does truth even matter anymore?

We must remember we are not called to win the world’s approval but to be faithful witnesses of Christ (Matt. 28:18-20). Witnesses witness. Witnesses tell the truth even when it’s costly.

Let’s be clear: speaking boldly doesn’t mean speaking rudely. Some people mistake abrasiveness for courage. That’s not what we’re called to. Our words should always be seasoned with grace (Col. 4:6), even when they’re firm. We should not confuse gentleness with weakness. There is a way to be kind, compassionate, and clear without being cowardly.

The Bible is filled with men and women who stood for truth even when it cost them dearly. The prophets confronted kings. The apostles preached Christ in the face of persecution. The early church grew not by being culturally acceptable but by being zealous for the gospel.

Faithfulness has never been popular. But, it has always been powerful.

 

The World Doesn’t Need More “Nice” People

Our culture is not starving for more nice people. It’s dying for absolute truth—objective, life-giving truth, and God has entrusted that truth to His people—especially Ministers of the Gospel! Do not hide it, do not dilute it, but declare it.

Speak the truth. Speak it gently but clearly. Speak it humbly but firmly. Speak it lovingly but boldly. Ultimately, being nice may win you applause for a season, but only truth sets people free (Jn. 8:32).