©️ James Ola Emiola-Dakobiri FIIM
Founder and Chairman,
Suicide Prevention and Depression Support Foundation
✍🏽 james@spdsfoundation.org
☎️ 773-344-6313

Introduction:

In the complexities of life, we often find ourselves at crossroads where the decision between truth and falsehood must be made. While truth may seem harsh and painful, like a surgeon’s scalpel, it has the power to heal and bring lasting peace. On the other hand, lies may offer temporary relief, like a painkiller, but they come with long-term consequences that can be devastating. This presentation aims to shed light on why being truthful, despite the pain it may cause, is always the better path.

The Analogy of Surgery and Painkillers:

Just as a surgeon’s knife is sharp and painful, truth can be difficult to bear. Surgery, though painful, is necessary to remove illness, restore health, and save lives. In a similar way, truth may initially hurt, but it has the power to cure the soul, heal relationships, and bring about genuine change. The process of facing the truth is never easy, but the outcome is always worth it.

Conversely, lies are akin to painkillers. They provide immediate comfort and shield us from the harshness of reality. However, like any painkiller that merely masks symptoms without addressing the root cause, lies can create a false sense of security, leading to complications that can be more harmful in the long run. Over time, the accumulation of lies can erode trust, damage relationships, and cause irreversible harm to one’s character and integrity.

The Consequences of Lies:

While a lie may offer temporary relief, its side effects are far-reaching and often permanent. Lies breed mistrust, create confusion, and foster an environment where deception thrives. When the truth eventually surfaces—and it always does—the pain is far greater than it would have been if honesty had prevailed from the start.

Moreover, living a life based on lies is like building a house on a shaky foundation. It may stand for a while, but eventually, it will collapse under the weight of deceit. The aftermath of such a collapse is often irreparable, leaving behind broken relationships, lost opportunities, and a tarnished reputation.

The Virtue of Truthfulness:

Being truthful requires courage, especially in situations where the truth is difficult to hear. However, the long-term benefits of truth far outweigh the short-term discomfort it may cause. Truth fosters trust, strengthens relationships, and builds a solid foundation for a life of integrity.

Truthfulness also brings peace of mind. When you are truthful, there is no fear of being exposed or caught in a web of lies. You can live freely, knowing that your words and actions are aligned with your values and principles.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, truth is indeed like surgery—painful but necessary for healing. Lies, on the other hand, are like painkillers—providing momentary relief but leading to lasting harm. The choice between truth and falsehood is one that each of us faces daily. Let us choose to be truthful, even when it hurts, for in truth lies the power to heal, restore, and build a life of integrity and peace.

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