Faith & Love: A One Year Bible Reading Plan - Part 7Sample

Today’s verse, Ephesians 4: 15, contains a big challenge: speaking the truth in love. In many situations, it seems like we can either just speak the truth or speak in love, not both. Yet here, we are encouraged to do just that. If we do so, we grow up in faith and become more like Jesus, who is the head of the church.

The whole passage speaks about the importance of unity. Even though we are all different and have different giftings and callings, we are to act as one body, as mature believers in Christ. This will only work with the two ingredients, truth and love. One should not exist without the other.

Often, we tend to exaggerate one extreme: We want to live in harmony with everyone without offending, so we rather stay quiet and smile lovingly, even though we notice that something might be wrong. Or we are fueled by a strong sense of what is correct and what needs to be put right. So we confront people but forget how they might feel and what it does to them. Both aspects are essential, yet they need to accompany one another. There is no easy formula for this. It needs wisdom and guidance by the Holy Spirit, but also our humility and sometimes courage.

If we learn to speak the truth in love, we grow up into Christ. And from Him, the whole body grows and builds itself up in love (v. 16). What a beautiful image!

Which aspect is easier for you? Do you lean more toward truth or love? What could it mean to speak the truth in love for you today?