Worth Repeating - May 20, 2017

Ephesians 4: 15 Speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the head. 

If we lack love, we misuse truth.*

If we, as Christians, love truth, then why is it so hard for us to speak the truth in love? Indeed, dangers and temptations abound for those who dare. Here are a few: 

• We may be tempted to use this verse as an excuse to say things that, while they may be considered constructive, are not necessary to salvation – and not our place to say. Truth should not be used as a weapon. 
• There is the danger of hurting someone’s feelings. But how loving is it “to allow a person to go to hell to avoid hurting his feelings”?* We may avoid offending someone but to be less than truthful offends our Savior.* 
• There is the danger that we might be rejected. We take it as a personal affront when someone rejects our message. That’s a pretty self-centered attitude. It’s not about me. It’s not about you. Our job is to deliver the message. “Truth is truth, whether or not it is well received. If we speak the truth in love to those who need to hear it, we can leave the details – and the response of the hearer – in God’s hands.”* 

In our quest for spiritual maturity, we hear the truth on a regular basis: daily Bible reading; weekly sermons and lessons. But Paul says that speaking the truth in love also leads to growth. As we learn how and when to apply this spiritual practice, we will experience the fulfillment of that promise.

You don’t always have to chop with the sword of truth. You can point with it, too.*