Unpopular…but true

Our culture prefers popular opinion to truth, says Hope Bonarcher, as she asserts it is kinder to be honest than provide misguided flattery 

Is it better to be kind or to be honest? It’s a consideration that affects women in particular. As emotionally led beings, women can lean into the desire to protect others’ feelings. It’s often easier to say the nice thing and not risk the sting of honesty. And yet, kindness and truth are both highlighted in the Bible. Kindness is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22), and one of the most noted attributes of God in scripture is lovingkindness. Alternatively, Jesus didn’t shy away from being honest in sacrifice to social graces. He called the religious leaders “you brood of vipers” (Matthew 12:34) and publicly flipped the tables of the money changers (Matthew 21:12-13). Kindness is a reflection of God, but Jesus is known as truth himself. If one triumphs over the other, I’d cast my lot with truthfulness.