TALKING THE TRUTH
-
Get the Flash Player to see this player.
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 4:7-16
Speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into … Christ.
Ephesians 4:15
Unity in the church is important. It comes from being humble, gentle, and patient as well as emphasizing the bond of peace that holds us together. The words of John 17 show us that Jesus prayed for unity when he faced the cross. His prayer indicates that church unity affects our ability to reach others in his name.
As we grow from children to adults, we learn that some things may be thought but should not be said. It’s a truth I’m still learning. My mother, whose birthday we’d celebrate today if she were alive, passed along genes to me that need constant supervision in that area. There were times when she spoke the truth— but it didn’t need to be said right then and there! Even the most sincere Christians sometimes speak the truth without love, and it can take a long time to heal the wounds from such episodes.
Paul is talking about the truth as embodied in Jesus (John 14:6). As Jesus’ followers, we’re called to be committed to following him in word and deed. We must consider carefully which words we use, how we say those words, and when we say them. Love finds a way of speaking truth, enhancing unity and growth in Christ.
Words can hurt or heal. Difficult words, spoken in love, may hurt at first, but ultimately they can bring healing. Christ’s family needs healing words.
Prayer
Father, we thank you for words we can use to speak the truth about life in you. Help us to choose our words wisely to build each other up as we grow in faith and unity. Amen.
Create an account to comment
GET TODAY
This teaching is vital for the well being of the Church. Every concern or complaint an individual has should be taken to prayer prior to sharing. It has been my experience that God will always help us to find a way to make criticism positive and ultimately a body building exercise as well as an expression of empathetic love.
Lord, thank you for your word for you said to do everything in WORD and deed IN JESUS! You said that our conversation is in heaven to let it be seasoned with grace to ediefy people and not to tear them down. For there is power in our tongue may we be slow to speak and eager to listen. give us wisdom of how to speak Lord seasoned with grace and your love. IN JESUS’ MIGHTY NAME AMEN!
My Father in heaven, we thank you for your words of truth, compassion, and grace. Through your word, we grow to be just like you. Let our words bring forth good fruits in our lives and all those around us, Let us not be judgemental. Let us speak words that lift up and glorify your name, for there is power in the word. And all the Saints said “AMEN.”
I want to personly thank everone that has a part in (TODAY daily devotional), thanks for all your hard work that you all do, so people like me can a very beatifull daily devotional everyday, as my Lord reminds me i will pray for all of you everday. MAY THE LORD BLESS AND WATCH VER ALL OF YOU IN JESUS NAME
HIS word is so amazing, glorified, powerful, the way, the truth, life. Thank you Father.