Speak the Truth in Love – 2021 Edition
Ephesians 4:15 tells us to “speak the truth in love.” This often-quoted verse tells us that it is crucial to be truthful; we should not take pleasure in our “rightness” or intend to harm other people with the truth. This scripture passage became more complicated with the advent of the internet and social media. In the information age, “being right” found open platforms that allowed a quick and easy proliferation of content. Self-editing becomes an essential discipline for Christians in the 21st century. It is too easy to comment, share, and argue over an assortment of topics with ease.
LOVE
This Passage begins with love. Acknowledging the intrinsic value of other humans should be central in our communication. We are all made in God’s image (Imago Dei), and we are fearfully and wonderfully made by our creator (Pslam 139:14). This perspective allows us to communicate with grace and truth to those with whom we disagree. If communication does not begin with the heart, it can become abrasive, prideful, and even hurtful. Without love, even the plainest of truths fall on deaf ears due to people’s objection to our methods or attitudes.
“to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for buidling up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,” – Ephesians 4:12-13
FILTER
Additionally, this perspective allows us to deliver unpleasant news while minimizing the hurt and adverse reaction to that information. Furthermore, knowing how to handle sensitive information can be as important as how it is communicated. Some truths in the wrong hands are potent weapons with devastating effects. Knowing what to do and how to handle hurtful information helps Christians become peacemakers and not participants in malicious behavior.
Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. – James 1:26
TRUTH
If you look for truth, you may find comfort in the end; if you look for comfort you will not get either comfort or truth only soft soap and wishful thinking to begin, and in the end, despair. – C.S. Lewis
The current cultural landscape asks the question, “What is true?”
John 8:32 says, “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Exclusive truth claims are challenged in the information age. Scripture provides wisdom, guidance, and hope, but some consider the Bible to be “offensive.” One reason for this phenomenon stems from Christians speaking hastily in God’s name or taking biblical passages out of context. There has never been a greater need for biblical literacy and discipleship. For example, before you can “speak the truth in love,” you need to verify what you are conveying is true. Some offense stems from misinformation. Having said that, Christians should lovingly, yet firmly hold to the truth of scripture. Compromise of biblical truth can seem like compassion, but that act ends up hurting people seeking truthful answers. Growth comes from discomfort. When discomfort comes from scripture, people tend to grow from the experience. When the discomfort comes from our actions, people tend to resist the truth.
“Love without truth is sentimentality; it supports and affirms us but keeps us in denial about our flaws. Truth without love is harshness; it gives us information but in such a way that we cannot really hear it. God’s saving love in Christ, however, is marked by both radical truthfulness about who we are and yet also radical, unconditional commitment to us. The merciful commitment strengthens us to see the truth about ourselves and repent. The conviction and repentance moves us to cling to and rest in God’s mercy and grace.” – Timothy Keller, The Meaning of Marriage.
FAITH
I am going to tell you the truth. Obviously, we are not to be mean-spirited, vain, or self-serving in our truth-telling. Having said that, I cannot promise that prepared, well-intentioned, lovingly communicated truth will be appropriately received. Furthermore, we must resist being drawn into fruitless arguments that promise only to bring out the worst in us (particularly online). We need to let God guide our interactions. Sometimes we do things out of obedience rather than “because it works.” I can say, however, God uses our acts of obedience for His glory.
