“Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church” (Ephesians 4:15 NLT).
In this verse, Paul described both the goal and the means of our speech to one another. The goal is maturity in Christ. And the means is twofold: “truth” and “love.” The mission of the Church is to make disciples who are being conformed to the image of Christ (Rom. 8:29). The members of the Church are to speak the truth to one another, so that they don’t fall prey to false doctrine and worldly deception. Also, because they may be blind to their own sin and short comings. Yet, this truth should not be delivered in a harsh, judgmental way, but in a graceful and loving way. Our speech should have the goal of “building up” the hearer (Eph. 4:29).
Some speak without thinking, saying that they are just “telling it like it is.” While others are people-pleasers and either remain silent or avoid the difficult topic. But the Word calls for us to avoid both extremes. Instead, we are to speak the truth in love.
PRAYER: Dear Father, when we look at Jesus, we see the One who most clearly speaks the truth in love. He is our example. But more than that, He is the One who abides in us by Your Spirit, so that we can speak the truth in love too. Help us to guard our tongues, so that what we say today is edifying to the hearer and glorifying to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.