GOD OF HOPE

Daily Stop & Thinks

Stop & Think: July 19, 2026

Truth

It is one thing to show a man that he is in error, and another to put him in possession of truth. (John Locke, 17th-18th century English philosopher)

It’s so easy to criticize—to see others’ errors and, too often, to point them out to anyone who will listen. How much better it would be to carefully direct the erring person to the truth with the purpose of helping him or her learn and grow. A personal, caring touch will not only correct an error, but very likely cement a good relationship, too.

[W]hoever heeds correction shows prudence. . . . The one who heeds correction gains understanding (Proverbs 15:5, 32).

Stop & Think: July 18, 2026

Truth

Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there. (Will Rogers, 20th century American humorist)

Everyone wants to think he’s “on the right track.” We may need some spiritual guidance to determine what’s “right.” But once we find the truth, we can’t just sit on it. To be right and do nothing with our “rightness” probably means, as Rogers says, we’ll lose out, and, what’s worse, we’ll never discover where being on the right track can lead.

Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable . . . think about such things (Philippians 4:8).

Stop & Think: July 17, 2026

Truth

Better to get hurt by the truth than comforted by a lie. (Khaled Hosseini, Afghan novelist)

As someone else has said, “The truth hurts only when it applies.” But still, the truth can hurt. And sometimes we have to face up to the truth that we’ve made a mistake or failed in some way.  As Hosseini suggests, there’s little comfort in a lie, even when it is meant to soothe our feelings. Better, always, to stick with the truth.

Wounds from a friend can be trusted (Proverbs 27:6).

Stop & Think: July 16, 2026

Truth

Education in itself without moral correction does little except to produce clever sinners. (Melvin Tinker, 20th-21st century Anglican clergyman)

Education is extremely important, of course, but as Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education.” To teach facts—even as accurate as they may be—will not produce men and women with integrity. Students must approach their education with a willingness to learn truth and a desire to develop character and integrity.

It is senseless to pay tuition to educate a rebel who has no heart for truth (Proverbs 17:16).

Stop & Think: July 15, 2026

Truth

To be persuasive, we must be believable. To be believable, we must be credible. To be credible, we must be truthful. (Edward R. Murrow, 20th-century broadcast journalist)

Have you ever lost an argument because you couldn’t convince anyone of your position? Was it because your reasoning was poor or your position unbelievable? Or, as Murrow suggests, was it simply that you didn’t have credibility among your peers? If you are known for being truthful and trustworthy, you will do better in convincing others of your point of view.

Therefore, each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor (Ephesians 4:25).

Stop & Think: July 14, 2026

Truth

Truth without love is brutality. Love without truth is hypocrisy. (Mike Lee, former pastor)

“The truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.” That’s what we affirm we will say when we testify in court. And the truth sometimes hurts. Maybe we should reserve the truth only for those who have the need and right to hear it. Even then, we must present it in a way that’s helpful and not harmful. We should always speak the truth in love.

Let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions (1 John 3:18).

Stop & Think: July 13, 2026

Truth

What others think is right, they think is right; and what others call wrong, they call wrong too. (J. C. Ryle, 19th-century Anglican bishop)

In listing “Dangers for Young Men,” Ryle included “Fear of Man’s Opinion.” He wrote, “It is terrible to observe the power which the fear of man has over most minds.” Do we ever nod in agreement with someone’s idea, or fail to express a contrary opinion, when we really believe they are wrong? We must speak up against what’s wrong and for what’s right.

I speak with all sincerity; I speak the truth. . . . a person who seeks to honor the one who sent him speaks truth, not lies (Job 33:3; John 7:18).

Stop & Think: July 12, 2026

Truth

The further a society drifts from the truth, the more it will hate those who speak it. (George Orwell, 29th century novelist)

You might think that truth is a foundational principle that remains solid and unchanging. However, relativism has taken over the minds of modern man, and truth seems to be whatever one wants it to be. Time and experience have shown Orwell to be right. To speak truth directly may often engender the hatred of those who have strayed from it.

For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth (2 Corinthians 13:8).

Stop & Think: July 11, 2026

Truth

Falsehoods don’t become truth by their repetition. (Jesse Deloe, writer)

Somehow, we seem to think that if we hear something often enough, it must be true. That seems to be the reasoning behind many TV commercials. Constant repetition—sometimes at fast-paced and high decibel levels—is impressed on our memories, so we often accept what is being related as truth. We would do well to check the facts to verify authenticity.

Whatever is true, noble, right, pure, whatever is lovely, admirable . . .think about such things (Philippians 4:8).

Stop & Think: July 10, 2026

Truth

Best friends are like diamonds, precious and rare. False friends are like leaves, found everywhere. (Origin uncertain)

The biblical King David complained about the betrayal of a close friend. That really hurts, doesn’t it? True friends will never betray you, but they may confront you with truth that hurts. David had another friend who faced him directly with his failures (see 2 Samuel 12), and the king repented and served his nation well, thanks to the rebuke of a true friend.

But correct the wise, and they will love you. . . . Open rebuke is better than hidden love (Proverbs 9:8; 27:5).

Stop & Think: July 9, 2026

Truth

To avoid criticism, say nothing, do nothing, be nothing. (Aristotle)

That warning says a lot about today’s society, doesn’t it? People seem to be so opinionated and judgmental that almost anything you say to them will be criticized—justly or unjustly. Oh, that life were different, but it often isn’t. So, as we strive to avoid unnecessary confrontation, we must not be afraid to speak the truth in appropriate ways.

Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts (Zechariah 8:16).

Stop & Think: July 8, 2026

Truth

The greatest and noblest pleasure which we have in this world is to discover new truths, and the next is to shake off old prejudices. (Frederick II, the Great, 18th century Prussian monarch)

Discovering truth is not only the task of scientists and inventors; it’s the privilege of any true seeker after truth. Accepting newly discovered truth, however, might mean we have to give up some previously held untruths, prejudices that have kept us from seeing the reality of truth. Look for that source of truth that is available for the searching.

But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. Sanctify them by the truth; your word [God] is truth (John 16:13; John 17:17).