Two-minute read.
Dispelling lies creates unity. We can’t allow deception to take away from the integrity of the gospel. Jesus came to tell the truth, and He did so with love. Everyone falls short of the mark, sinners in need of grace. Accepting the reality of our human condition helps us submit our lives to Christ, confess and repent, receive the grace He offers, and become a new creation in Him. As Jesus told the adulterous woman, “Go and sin no more” (John 8:11). Once we recognize our sin, we must stop doing it.
However, sometimes we can’t see the error of our ways, and we need someone to point them out to us in love. Or, we need to speak truth in love to someone else. Whatever information we share, we must do it in love. If we can’t speak in love, we shouldn’t say it at all. Words spoken for any other motive will only cause more harm.
My husband can speak words into my life that no one else can because of his love for me. When Ron confronts an issue in my life, something I need to address, I know it comes from a place of unconditional love. However, if someone else tried to tell me the same thing, I might not listen because it doesn’t come from the same place. People have ulterior motives, and they don’t always come couched in love.
The better we become at speaking in love to others, the more we will become like Christ. Remembering, Jesus gave His life for us because He wants the best for us; He helps us want the same for others. When we see someone heading down a destructive path, in love, we try to stop them by pointing out the truth with care and tenderness. In scripture, we see many examples of the Savior speaking in love to help others avoid pain, but not everyone accepts it. The rich young ruler couldn’t give up his wealth to follow Jesus, no matter how lovingly Christ spoke to the man (Mark 10:17-27). But we can still try, just as the Savior did.
Learn from Jesus how to couch your language in love. Speak truth with caring and conviction and help others find the fullness of life Christ so desires for us. Only when we live in truth will we fully appreciate our journey and live the abundant life God’s Son died to give us.
Journal Questions:
Who speaks truth in love well in your life?
How has someone sharing the truth with you helped you avoid pain?
How can you become better at speaking the truth in love?
Friendship Application:
Practice speaking the truth in love by doing what Jesus did.
