SPEAK the Truth in Love

Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.  Ephesians 4:15

Last month my focus was on the need to speak the truth in LOVE.  Emphasizing that the purpose behind our talk of correction or rebuke should be cloaked in love for the other person.  This month, I’m focusing on the first word, speak.

When someone needs gentle correction, care-filled rebuke, or somewhere in between, it should always be spoken, face to face.  I know, that’s not very easy to do.  It’s much easier to sit behind a screen, or to message someone on a phone, or write a letter.  It might be easier, but it is not the best way to confront a person.  More importantly, it’s not the Biblical way!

Matthew 18:15 states that if someone sins against us, we should go and speak directly to that person.  Not to someone else, but to that person.  Not writing a letter, nor a text, nor an email.  But speak to them in person!  Why?  For many reasons.  First, so that person can see your love and concern for them.  Written communication usually does not convey emotions or feelings.  Especially when writing difficult things.

Next, face to face allows an opportunity for understanding between the two of you.  Perhaps, you misinterpreted what someone did.  Or maybe the other had some other thing behind the thing that was done to cause offense.  Even if there was no misunderstanding, it allows for open dialogue to help the person see his or her sin (and us to see ours) so that reconciliation can happen, between the two of you, and between the other person and our Lord.

Too often difficult communication happens electronically, not in person, causing greater hurt and division among all parties.  Our God is not a god of division, but of unity - desiring us to be reconciled with each other.  Divisiveness is a sign of an unhealthy church, where a healthy church is united in the truth. 

So speak the truth in love, in order that we all might grow in every way in Christ!

In His Peace.
Pastor Cory

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