Speaking Truth in Love: Restoring Civil Discourse in Colorado

By Chaz Evanson, Candidate for Governor of Colorado

"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." Romans 12:2

In a time when political rhetoric has become weaponized and public discourse is often reduced to shouting matches or cancel campaigns, I believe it is time for a return to something higher a return to truth spoken in love, and to civil discourse that honors both conscience and community. As a servant-leader, a veteran, and a man of faith, I am convinced that truth and love are not opposites to be balanced, they are partners in the pursuit of justice.

“But speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into Him who is the head, Christ.” Ephesians 4:15

Truth Without Love is Tyranny. Love Without Truth is Cowardice.

The Bible commands us to speak “the truth in love” because God’s truth is never meant to be a weapon of pride but a path toward healing and reconciliation. In the same way, love must not be sentimental or shallow. Love tells hard truths… not to tear down, but to build up.

“Open rebuke is better than secret love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend.” Proverbs 27:5-6

Civil discourse begins with this principle. In our campaign to restore, reform, and protect liberty in Colorado, we refuse to slander our opponents or trade insults for likes on social media. That may seem old-fashioned in today’s political climate, but it's the only way to preserve our republic. A free people must be able to speak boldly and listen humbly. When we lose that ability, we lose the very foundation of self-government.

“Liberty cannot be preserved without a general knowledge among the people.” John Adams

“If men are to be precluded from offering their sentiments on a matter...reason is of no use to us; the freedom of speech may be taken away and dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter.” George Washington

Civility Is Not Silence—It Is Strength with Restraint

Civility does not mean compromising truth or avoiding hard conversations. It means refusing to dehumanize those we disagree with. As Americans, and especially as Coloradans, we must learn to confront injustice without becoming unjust ourselves. We must learn to correct error without becoming arrogant. And we must defend what is right without forsaking what is good.

“Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” James 1:19-20

I believe we can be firm without being cruel, passionate without being rude, and persuasive without being hateful. That’s the kind of leadership Colorado deserves. Not just loud voices but steady hands. Not just political fighters but moral leaders. Not just promises but principles.

“It is substantially true that virtue or morality is a necessary spring of popular government.” George Washington, Farewell Address

Our Republic Depends on Moral Speech

The Founders of this nation understood that liberty cannot survive without virtue. George Washington wrote that “of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports.” Without moral character, civil discourse degenerates into chaos, and politics becomes a tool for domination, not service.

The toxic culture of today’s politics is not just a result of party divisions it’s a result of moral decay. We must rebuild our public life on the foundation of truth, conscience, and mutual respect. I am calling on all citizens regardless of party, background, or belief to help restore this culture of courage and civility.

“Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. As nations become corrupt and vicious, they have more need of masters.” Benjamin Franklin

“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” Proverbs 14:34

A Campaign Grounded in Truth, Carried by Love

As I seek to serve as your Governor, I pledge to lead with honesty and humility. I will not flatter voters, fear elites, or fake convictions to win applause. My allegiance is to God, the Constitution, and the people of this great state.

We can disagree without dividing. We can debate without demeaning. And we can confront error without abandoning grace. That is the example I will strive to set as a candidate and the standard I will uphold as your Governor.

“Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil.” 2 Timothy 2:23-24

Let us together build a new standard for Colorado politics… one where truth is not silenced, and love is not mocked. A politics where the loudest voice is not the angriest, but the truest. A movement where faith is not hidden, freedom is not for sale, and courage is clothed in kindness.

“These are the times that try men's souls...The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink...but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.” Thomas Paine, The American Crisis

If you believe in that vision, then stand with me. Let’s restore civil discourse. Let’s speak the truth in love. And let’s lead Colorado… not by force or fear, but by conviction and compassion.