LOVE ALWAYS SPEAKS THE TRUTH…BUT ALWAYS KINDLY

The apostle Paul, writing to the Church at Ephesus, asks them to do certain thing, as found in Ephesians 4:14-15. This is crucial for all who love the truth, and want to walk in its ways.
– “14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:” – Ephesians 4:14-15

Growing into maturity and handling matters of faith with expertise and finese is what Paul is urging the early Christians at Ephesus. At the beginning of verse 15, Paul asks his readers to do something, which is critical for us, for the dates objective, even this day. Paul asks them, and us too, to “speak the truth with love.” What Paul is driving at is that, as Christians, we always ought to speak the truth; but we always ought to speak the truth with love…kindness and gentleness.

Truth is the most powerful of all weapons. Love, is equally powerful as the truth itself. However, *love and truth have to work in tandem to achieve anything in this world, and in any of our relationships.* One on its own, cannot be effective. Rather, it becomes a farce and a pretense, apart from being utterly ineffective and unproductive. Hence, the Word of God urges to *”Speak the Truth in Love “*
– “The Greek word for “truth” (aletheia) implies not just factual accuracy but sincerity and integrity.”
– “The Greek word for “love” (agape) is the selfless, sacrificial love that reflects God’s nature.” – Berean Study Bible Notes

The balance between these two – the TRUTH and the LOVE – is crucial for our growth, maturity and our impeccable and spotless witness, as Christians, in an ever permissive world, where both truth and love, don’t matter for the integrity and honesty of our relationships. Hence the fallen quality of human relationships these days, and the transactional nature of it, seen very openly, without any guilt or remorse.

Truth and Love Must Coexist
– “Speaking the truth is essential, but it must always be done in love. This balance prevents truth from becoming harsh and love from becoming permissive.” – Berean Study Bible Notes

Truth and Love lead to Spiritual Maturity
– “The goal of speaking the truth in love is to grow into maturity in Christ. This involves developing Christ-like character and unity within the church.” – Berean Study Bible Notes

Let us look at a few other verses from the Word of God, for our clearer and deeper understanding of the same.
– “Love takes no pleasure in evil, but rejoices in the truth.” – 1 Corinthians 13:6
– “Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth.” – 1 John 3:18
– “Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.” – Ephesians 4:25
– “These are the things that ye shall do; Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates:” – Zechariah 8:16

Dear brothers and sisters, if speaking truth is not fully supported by love; and if loving others, in any of our relationships, is without being truthful; it will surely result in fractured and failed relationships. All our relationships will become dysfunctional, because they turn transactional, and will ultimately fail and fall apart. What a tragedy dear friends.

May the LORD help us to be people who will always speak the truth, and speak it with generous dose of love. LOVE ALWAYS SPEAKS THE TRUTH…BUT ALWAYS KINDLY! Even so the LORD help us.