Tuesday: Speak Truth in Love
Read: Proverbs 27:5-6, Proverbs 28:23, Ephesians 4:15-16
SOAP: Ephesians 4:15-16
But practicing the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ, who is the head. From him the whole body grows, fitted and held together through every supporting ligament. As each one does its part, the body grows in love.
Devotion:
Some of us are more interested in being nice than being kind. We want everyone to like us, so we put on a fake smile and pretend that everything is fine even when it is not. We avoid controversy or hard conversations because we’re afraid of upsetting anyone, and we smooth over disagreements without getting to the root of the problem. We love being liked more than we love the people in our lives.
This is not real love. Paul encouraged the Ephesian Christians to practice truth in love, knowing that real relationships are built on honesty and love. Without truth, our love is superficial and flimsy, easily broken by difficulties. Without love, our truth is so harsh that it prevents reconciliation. Instead, we are called to practice both together: speaking the truth boldly because we love the ones who need to hear it. As we each do our part to build stronger relationships, the whole body of Christ better exhibits the love and the truth at the heart of our faith.
Prayer:
God, help me love others more than I love being liked. Give me opportunities and the strength to practice truth in love in my relationships this week. Amen.