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Truth can hurt. In the Bible we are told to be careful with TRUTH—to speak it in LOVE. It is only when a foundation of LOVE has been established in our lives through our RELATIONSHIP with God that can we speak TRUTH to others in ways enabling them to continue growing in all aspects into Christ, Eph 4.15. Yes, Jesus is “the Way, the TRUTH and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Him.” Jn 14.6. But “God is (also) LOVE,” 1 Jn 4.8, and He wants us to thoroughly mix TRUTH and LOVE in our attitudes, our actions and all we say.
In Eph 4, we are called to walk in humility with gentleness and patience, expressing LOVE to one another, v.1-2. We are called to diligently preserve our RELATIONSHIP with other believers as well as the Lord, v.3, because we are called to oneness with Christ, as well as the Body of Christ, v.4; and that oneness requires LOVE.
God has gifted each of us with attributes and strengths that others need. He has allowed weaknesses in all of us as well, so we not only learn to depend upon Him, but are able to receive the help and encouragement He gives us through other believers. This way of equipping us which He has established draws us together into a oneness and unity of faith as well as a greater knowledge of Jesus, v.11-12. All of this interdependence and support one for another is built upon that foundation of TRUTH and LOVE.
Notice the significance of this foundation of LOVE in Gal 5.6: “The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through LOVE.” “The ONLY thing that counts!” Wow! So, if expressing life through LOVE is the ONLY thing that counts, how is TRUTH and LOVE working in your foundation? How is faith working in your circumstances? Keep in mind—it needs to be “expressed through LOVE!—it’s the ONLY thing that counts!”
Peter writes about the connection between TRUTH and LOVE, “Now that you have been purified by obeying the TRUTH so that you have sincere love for your brothers, LOVE one another deeply, from the heart.” 1 Pet 1.22. We have a foundation upon which to stand; and it will stand forever!—TRUTH and LOVE! 1 Pet 1.25a.
Later in 1 Pet 4, he tells us to use the attributes and gifts God has given us “to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms,” v.10. What an expression of LOVE! And again, nothing could be clearer than Peter’s admonition: “Above ALL, LOVE each other deeply…LOVE covers over a multitude of sins,” v.8. Above ALL! LOVE! How are you doing on that? Peter continues—as you speak TRUTH or anything else remember, you have the privilege and responsibility to speak as though you were saying the very words of God, v.11; therefore, speak the TRUTH in LOVE.
PRAYER: Oh Lord! What weight You put on our words. Spirit of God, please guard my mind and mouth and teach me to speak how You speak…and I know Your words would be enveloped completely in LOVE. Forgive me for times I’ve spoken harshly and in judgment, bringing condemnation and hurt instead of releasing Your grace. Please teach me how to LOVE deeply, from my heart as You love me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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