Speaking the Truth: A Reflection on Society and Injustice

In today’s society, speaking the truth can sometimes feel like an act of rebellion. We live in a time when it seems that political correctness is often valued more than honesty. The Bible tells us, "Do not be conformed to this world" (Romans 12:2), reminding us not to follow the ways of a world that often ignores truth for the sake of avoiding conflict. But as a Christian, I believe that speaking the truth is essential, even when it is difficult or unpopular.

One painful truth I have spoken about is the inhumane treatment of dogs in China, especially during the Yulin Festival. Every June, dogs are captured, tortured, and killed for human consumption at this event. I believe that this is an act of cruelty that must be stopped, and I tried to raise awareness about it through a video I posted on my YouTube channel. Unfortunately, the video was removed. It made me realize that we are living in a world where many people prefer to silence the truth rather than face it, especially if it makes others uncomfortable.

The reality is, we often prioritize not offending people over telling the truth. It’s a sad reflection of how our society has changed. Instead of standing up for what’s right, we have become afraid of hurting others’ feelings or challenging their beliefs. This desire to avoid conflict has, in many ways, made us blind to injustices happening around us.

The Yulin Festival: A Cruel Practice

The Yulin Dog Meat Festival is an event that happens every year in China. Thousands of dogs, often stolen from homes, are transported in horrific conditions to be killed for food. These animals are subjected to unimaginable cruelty. Many are beaten, skinned alive, or boiled while still conscious because of the belief that the more they suffer, the better the meat will taste.

As a dog lover and animal advocate, it breaks my heart to know that this happens every year. I have rescued dogs myself, and the thought of them being treated in such a way is unbearable. Dogs are loyal companions, deserving of love and care. To see them suffer like this is not only inhumane but also deeply disturbing.

When I decided to post a video about the Yulin Festival, my goal was to raise awareness. I wanted people to know what was happening so that, together, we could work to stop this cruelty. But instead of sparking a conversation, the video was taken down. It was a stark reminder that speaking the truth about difficult subjects is often discouraged.

Political Correctness vs. Truth

The removal of my video made me reflect on the world we live in. We are constantly told to be "politically correct." On the surface, this seems like a good thing—it encourages respect and sensitivity toward others. But sometimes, this desire to be politically correct goes too far. It can lead to censorship, where truths that need to be heard are hidden because they might offend someone.

The Bible teaches us to stand firm in truth, even when it is unpopular. Jesus Himself spoke uncomfortable truths, and many people didn’t want to hear them. He called out hypocrisy, challenged unjust practices, and stood up for the oppressed. In the same way, we must not be afraid to speak up against injustice, even if it makes others uncomfortable.

When we silence the truth, we allow evil to continue. The Yulin Festival is just one example of how turning a blind eye to cruelty leads to more suffering. If we choose not to speak about it because we are afraid of offending someone or because it is a difficult subject, then we are complicit in the suffering of these animals. It’s the same with other issues of injustice—whether it’s animal cruelty, human rights violations, or corruption. By staying silent, we allow the wrong to persist.

A World That Prefers Lies

One of the saddest things I have realized is that we now live in a world where lies are often preferred over the truth. People don’t want to hear the truth because it challenges their comfort. Lies are easier to accept—they don’t require action or change.

For example, in the case of the Yulin Festival, some people might say, "It's part of their culture," as an excuse to ignore the cruelty. But just because something is a tradition doesn't mean it's right. Throughout history, many harmful practices have been part of cultures—such as slavery or human sacrifice—but that doesn’t justify them. We have to be willing to question and challenge even long-standing traditions when they are based on cruelty or injustice.

The Bible warns us about living in a world that prefers lies. In 2 Timothy 4:3-4, it says, "For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths." This verse perfectly describes the world we live in today. Many people would rather hear comforting lies than face the uncomfortable truth.

Standing Firm in Truth

Despite the challenges, we must continue to speak the truth. We are called to be the light in the darkness, and that means shining a light on injustice, cruelty, and wrongdoing. Even when the world tells us to be quiet, we must stand firm.

For me, this means continuing to speak out about the cruelty of the Yulin Festival and other forms of animal abuse. It means standing up for those who cannot speak for themselves—whether they are animals, children, or the oppressed. It means sharing God’s truth with the world, even when it is not what people want to hear.

As Christians, we are not called to blend in with the world. We are called to be different, to stand out, and to be bold in our faith and our convictions. Speaking the truth is not always easy, but it is necessary.

Conclusion

In a world that values political correctness over truth, we must be willing to speak up. Whether it’s about the cruelty of the Yulin Festival or any other injustice, we have a responsibility to stand for what is right. The Bible calls us to be in the world, but not of the world. We cannot allow ourselves to be silenced by fear or the desire to avoid conflict.

Speaking the truth may not always be popular, but it is essential for making the world a better place. Lies may be easier to hear, but they do not lead to justice. Only by facing the truth can we hope to bring about real change. Let us have the courage to speak the truth, even when it is difficult, knowing that we are standing up for what is right in the eyes of God.