Truth or Love

Has anyone ever played the fun and lighthearted game “Truth or Dare”? It’s a great way to learn more about each other. If you choose truth, you have to answer honestly. If you choose dare, you take on a silly challenge. As I’ve grown older, I’ve realized that life often feels like a different version of this game—one I’d call Truth or Love.

This past week, I found myself in a round of “Truth or Love” with a family member I only see about once a year. His anger toward people with opposing political views can sometimes feel overwhelming. With the upcoming inauguration, he must have been triggered because he sent me a message saying, “The last time I was in Ohio in August, I said, ‘If Ohio votes for Trump, I’ll never go to that awful state again.’” Except, he used a word even harsher than “awful.” He went on to state he didn’t think he would be coming to our reunion that he has attended for 48 years.

Hearing those words stung—not just because of our political differences, but because it felt like being right mattered more than loving family. I had a decision to make: Would I respond with truth, or would I choose love?

Some of my favorite scriptures helped guide me. Romans 12:18 says, “As far as it depends on you, make every effort to do what is right in the eyes of everyone and to live at peace with everyone.” In 1 Corinthians, we’re reminded, “Love is patient, love is kind… it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” And in Ephesians 3:19, we’re told that “Love surpasses knowledge.”

So, I chose love. I reminded him that, in our family, we’ve always loved one another—regardless of what or how much we drink, smoke, eat, who we love, how many we love, or where we place our bets in life. We’re a very diverse and beautiful crew that has managed to come together consistently for 48 years! That simple reminder softened the tension. We ended up having a great conversation. In this case, sharing my “truth” would have only stirred the pot. Choosing love kept the peace, and I hope it continues to allow us to share life with one another.

When we look at the cross, we’re reminded that Jesus also chose love. He never shied away from the truth, but He used it wisely—never as a weapon. In His life, and especially in His death, Jesus showed us how to balance truth and love perfectly.

As we come to the cross and examine our hearts, we face a similar challenge. The fact is, we play “Truth or Love” with ourselves every day. The truth is, we don’t deserve forgiveness so we risk being overly critical and judgmental of ourselves. But God’s love is so great that He gave His Son for us. Truth and love meet in the messy middle—where grace abounds and allows us to win. I pray we accept His grace, instead of living in cycles of guilt and despair. His love transform us.

So this week, as we take communion, let’s reflect on the love that surpasses knowledge. Let’s thank God for showing us that love isn’t about choosing sides—it’s about choosing Him.