Speak the truth in love

That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. – Ephesians 4. 14-16

There is not doubt that God wants us to always be truth tellers. He hates lying and He doesn’t make any exceptions. There are plenty of passages to prove that.

If we are not careful though our desire to ‘speak the truth’ can be motivated wrongly and can do more harm that good. Words don’t have to be lies to hurt. The truth can hurt and improperly presented will hurt much worse that lies and innuendoes.

When I speak too often it may be based my need to prove myself right or make a point or any number of things, even if it is the truth.

That should come as no surprise – we are to strive to do everything we do in love. It does no good to not be truthful with each other. It does no good to use lies and mistruths to try and make others feel better about themselves. We are only marketing things worse.

We have to preach the truth. We have to speak the truth to each other. We have to speak the truth about sin and unrighteousness. We have to speak the truth to the world around us.

But we have to do it all in love. The love of Christ must compel us.