One of the complexities of Christianity is addressing sinful behavior. Some people make it a high priority to point out the sinful behavior of others, and that pushes people away. On the other side, some people don’t want to “judge” others, so are reluctant to address other’s sinful behavior.
In Ephesians 4, Paul is explaining how great it will be when the people of the church grow in their faith and knowledge and become “mature in the Lord.” What he writes in Ephesians 4:15 struck me as the way we should handle difficult conversations as Christians, “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.”
“Speak the truth in Love.” If only we could have this discipline to hold fast to right and wrong, the truth, but share and communicate with love and grace.
Dear Lord, you show us how to speak the truth in love through Your life in the Bible. Help us learn from the lessons, and show love to all, but never compromise our conviction and faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Speaking the truth in love is wonderful, especially if the person you’re speaking it to takes it that way. Too many people in this liberal, secular, cancel culture, political correctness take speaking truth in love as hate speech, many becoming violent over it and lashing out at the ones speaking the truth in love. How do a person combat that? Asking the Spirit’s help and protection is the only way. My spirit is weak, but I seek the Spirit’s help in being stronger. Pray for all of us to be strong in the Spirit.
Amen! Love that!