Ephesians 4:11-16: It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From 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.
Again this week we focus on the phrase speaking the truth in love.
Last week I made reference to the grace to receive the truth spoken in love.
There will be those rare times when a believer must speak the truth in love in the form of correction or rebuke. I emphasize the word "rare" because the wise, mature believer understands that most people do not like correction, and they are often easily offended when challenged with rebuke.
Normally, words of correction and rebuke should be spoken by the mature believer, not the babe in Christ. You will want to pray much, and you will want to attempt as much positive encouragement as possible, before attempting to bring correction.
But the time will come, when you see another believer who needs the directness of the truth of correction or rebuke spoken in love. If so, obey in a spirit of humility and tenderness. Express acceptance and love for the individual. Leave the door open for future ministry to that person. Don't be surprised, if he or she initially refuses to embrace your words.
Speaking the truth in love also includes speaking words of exhortation and encouragement to other believers.
Hebrews 10:24-25: And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
People in general tend to have problems with a low self image and low self esteem. Also, people in general tend to enjoy the comfort of the known, and are often hesitant to step out and embrace a new challenge. God wants to lead believers out of the saftey and security of the known, and into adventures of obedience in God.
Make a habit of speaking the truth in love by encouraging others with the Word of God about their position in Christ. We tend to see ourselves as not capable of accomplishing anything of significance. We, also, tend to see ourselves as unworthy of being used by God. We think that is for someone else.
But the Word of God teaches that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Greater is he who is in me, than he who is in the world. Jesus was made to be sin, so that we might be made the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. I am more than a conqueror through Jesus Christ my Lord. Through the blood of Jesus, God has seated us in heavenly places to rule and to reign.
There is absolutely no limit to what God can do through YOU!!
Notice that Paul also instructs us to spur one another on to love and good works. There are times when it is appropriate to actually be a prick in someone's side. It is appropriate to needle someone to spur them on to obedience to God's will.
As with correction, to needle someone out of their place of inactivity in God, should be done with love and humility and wisdom. But, it is something that must be done at times.
To encourage and challenge other believers to excel in God is a vital ministry in the church.
Speaking the truth in love includes speaking solid words of Biblical teaching.
Children want another cookie, while leaving the carrots and potatoes uneaten. In the same way spiritual children sometimes want the cotton candy of the Word of God, while leaving the meat and vegetables of the Word uneaten.
Speaking the truth in love will mean teaching new believers about things like righteousness, faith, the fruit of the Spirit, water baptism and other foundational teachings in the Bible, when the new believer may only be interested in topics like the second coming of Jesus or demonology. There are many truths from the Word of God. They are all important, but the new believer needs the steady diet of foundational Biblical teaching in order to grow and mature in God.
Many years ago I talked to a young lady, who was part of the youth group of a First Baptist Church in Mississippi. For a period of time a friend of mine from seminary, Mike, had served as the youth pastor of this church.
The youth group was based on fun and games, except during the time Mike led the group. Mike sat them down each week and taught them important truths from the Word of God. The youth group regularly complained about losing out on ping pong and pool in order to study the Bible.
In reflecting back on Mike's tenure as her youth pastor, this young lady realized that the best days of her youth group, and the best days of her own spiritual journey, were under Mike's leadership. After Mike's departure the youth group went back to just fun and games. She realized that she and her peers needed more than fun and games. They needed the truth spoken in love through words of solid Biblical teaching.
Next week we will examine the importance of speaking words of comfort and healing in the midst of a broken and hurting world.
Ask God to help you to find ways to speak the truth in love to bring positive change to your world.
Wayne L. Williams
wayne@fotwm.org