15Instead, speaking the truth in love, (the impact in our communities, the way the church should be) we will in all things grow up into him who is (here comes the visual aid) the Head, that is, Christ. 16From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. Ephesians 4:15-16 (NIV)
This passage begins with two very important points. It tells us what to do and how to do it. First, we should speak the truth. Second, we should speak the truth in love. As Christians, we should always speak the truth, even if speaking the truth makes us unpopular. Look at it this way – there is never a time when you are not a Christian. What you do has far more credibility than what you say. So, the way that people will know that you are a Christian and operate by a different standard is by your actions. When they see you telling the truth and not going with the crowd, it gives credibility to the fact that you are a Christian.
While speaking the truth is important, HOW you speak the truth is equally important. Maybe there is someone you know who has made some bad decisions in life. If you are sharing God’s Word (the Bible) with them, your approach should be with that of love. They probably already know they’ve made bad decisions and have probably experienced the consequences of those decisions. Yes, providing God’s truth is important, but how you do it is also important. We should not share the Bible with them as a means of tearing them down, but as a way to point them toward Jesus.
1. What captured your attention?
2. Did anything challenge you? Why?
3. What do I learn about God?
4. What do I learn about people?
5. Is there an example to follow?