Articles
"Speaking the Truth in Love"
“But speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ” (Ephesians 4:15).
“Speaking the truth in love”—what picture does that injunction bring to mind? Does it conjure up an image of soft, gentle tones, words of solace, a purely positive message that avoids anything controversial or possibly offensive? If so, you may be surprised to learn that at times it may mean the opposite.
John the Baptist called some in his audience a brood of vipers (a bunch of snakes) and told them they needed to show in their lives evidence of the commitment to God they professed (Matthew 3:7-8). “Speaking the truth in love” sometimes requires startling those who are just going through the motions of being religious.
Jesus spoke at length about specific practices of His day which were contrary to God’s will (Matthew 23:1-36). Some of them were religious activities, others reflected wrong moral standards. “Speaking the truth in love” necessitates plain, pointed preaching, the kind that leaves hearers with no doubt concerning what is right and wrong conduct.
The Apostle Paul called the name of those who were teaching error and identified their error (2 Timothy 2:17-18). He did so because they had “upset the faith of some.” “Speaking the truth in love” demands an honest examination of doctrine, exposing both what is false and who is advocating it.
To be sure, John, Jesus, Paul, and the other New Testament preachers were often gentle, positive, and encouraging in what they had to say. Yet they were also firm and clear, unafraid to use strong language when circumstances called for it.
In short, “speaking the truth in love” is so loving the truth that one would not sacrifice, pervert, or compromise it. It is so loving people that no truth will be withheld, even that which may be hard to say or unpleasant to hear. It is conveying the truth as tactfully as is effective.
