“Speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ” (Ephesians 4:15).
Did you know that wherever the apostle Paul talks about truth in scripture that the theme of love is not far behind? Why is this important?
How many times have you heard that people should love one another and not be worried about doctrine. Or, in the parlance of the world, not be worried about truth claims. Rather, just love other people. Of course, such a statement is a truth claim itself, trying to establish a common behavior for all. Sadly, it falls far short of what the Bible intends.
Remember I Corinthians 13, the great love chapter. This is probably the most well known writing about love in all of history. And what does Paul say? It says that love, “Rejoices with the truth.” This isn’t just a feel-good statement. It’s a bold ascertain of right and wrong. It implies, strongly, that love does not comport with falsehood. No falsehood. None. Nada. Zip. Zero. We can go so far as to say that without truth there is no genuine love. As an example, how can we say we love someone and be satisfied to watch the live in a lie? Especially, lies of relationship. Christ is the greatest example. How can we say we love someone if we don’t want or try to introduce the one we love to Christ, whom we also love? Love must even be willing to risk our relationships in the name of Christ.
Today’s passage tells us to, speak the truth in love. It doesn’t tell us to hold back. It doesn’t tell us to ignore someone’s need. It tells us to speak truthfully with an attitude of love. And when we do that, we continue to grow up in Christ, maturing in our faith.
What are you ready to say, today?
Memory Verse
“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” (I Corinthians 13:4-7).
Application
There is a time and place for everything. Is today your time to speak to someone about the love of Christ? What will you do?