Many of us want to hear the truth and nothing but the truth. The hidden truth is that not many of us can handle the truth in its raw form.
It is ungodly to lie but truth does not have to be bitter for it to be true. Some people boast of being truthful when in the real sense they are blunt. The two are not the same.
Peace is essential to progress. The establishment of truth does not necessarily have to generate chaos. If the truth in its raw form would threaten peace and security, try diplomacy.
If my mother does not like a particular behaviour of my wife and I know that addressing that behaviour would foster a healthier relationship between the duo, that is one truth I know but if I tell my wife the truth in its raw form, I would have started a war.
In his book, How to win Friends and influence People, Dale Carnegie wrote that there are usually two motives for any action: the first is the real motive and the second is the reason that sounds good.
If I want my wife to work on that behaviour to guarantee a harmonious relationship between her and my mother, I would have to look for a reason that sounds good to tell her, not the real motive. Call that diplomacy if you want.
This simple analogy applies to other relationships, including nations, if peace should have a chance. In diplomatic relations among nations, peace is right at the center.
The work of diplomats in foreign missions is to foster healthy relationships in a way that strengthens political ties and promotes trade and investment between their home country and the international community.
Some types of truth require the right words to express and some the right time to tell. Truth should set me free and not keep me in bondage.
If your naked truth will take away my peace, be kind enough to adopt the reason that sounds good to tell me, so that when I know the truth, I will not be in bondage.
©️Akin Oluwadare Jnr
13 January 2025
