Speaking the Truth in Love

Good morning sisters. How are you doing? I trust that all is well.

This morning, I'll like to share from Ephesians 4:15.

"But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ"
Ephesians 4:15

The focus of this scripture and the passage it is found is actually maturing as a believer. It is key in our walk with the Lord.

The sub-theme I'll like to focus on is "Speaking the truth IN LOVE". As a person, I don't mind any form the TRUTH is dished to me - lovingly, harshly, anyhowly. However, the Bible gives us direction on how to communicate the truth - IN LOVE.

That does not mean that we are always "It is well", "You are blessed" people. Myj understanding is that we first EMPATHISE with whoever we're dealing with and then communicate the truth to them without compounding their issues.

Wikipedia defines Empathy as "theu capacity to understand what another person is experiencing from within the other person's frame of reference, ie, the capacity to place oneself in another's shoes".

I know some people's stories get you livid and you think you need to hit them hard. It is a battle I fight personally. I mean, you feel like shaking them back to the real world; they seem so lost in the world of silliness. As hard as it is for me to say, hitting people with harsh  words RARELY achieve the desired results.

Speaking the truth IN LOVE is hard but I believe it's achievable. It is a sign of maturity. I hope I will still have a tongue left seeing how often I have to bite my tongue these days, lol.

I'll like to say that telling lies/sugarcoating things is not the same as speaking the trutfh in love. If someone is off-track, telling them that God will fight their enemies and see them through is a horrid lie. However, beating them with harsh words ryarely achieves results either. I believe this is one reason why the counsel to pray about the matter before approaching whoever it is you need to tell the truth in love.

"She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness" Proverbs 31:26

Thanks for the birthday wishes. You made my day memorable and pleasurable.

Have a blessed and productive day.