Ephesians 4:15-16
Instead, speaking the truth in love, we would in all things grow up into Christ, who is the head. From him the whole body, being joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows in accordance with Christ’s activity when he measured out each individual part. He causes the growth of the body so that it builds itself up in love.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Sometimes, speaking the truth in love is hard, so we ask that you strengthen our faith to share the hard truths with others. In this scripture section, Paul talked about being tossed about by our sinful desires. Many want to chastise us, saying that we are not to judge others. They will use Jesus’ words when he said I did not come into the world to condemn the world, but he regularly pointed out people’s sins so they would repent.
When believers are trapped and unaware of their sins, we must speak the truth in love to keep them from being eternally condemned. Saying nothing is very loveless while pointing to Jesus’ forgiveness is not judgmental but acting in love.
Each of us is an essential part of the body of Christ; we become part of his body by faith in him, knowing that Jesus has forgiven all our sins. Jesus builds up each believer’s faith, sending us the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit uses the means of Grace and builds us up out of love, which results in us loving you and others. We are all part of the greater body; faith is the tendons and ligaments that hold it together, and Jesus is the head.
Lord, we ask that you grant us opportunities and the courage to share this good news with those who do not know you. We pray that your Holy Spirit will begin faith in them so they will be joined with us all. For those whose faith has been weakened, please give us those hard words of truth to speak in love and send your Spirit to strengthen their faith—the tie that binds them to the body of Christ. Amen.
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
Telling someone the hard truth about their sin is never easy, but it is necessary so that they will know their sins, repent of them, and receive the forgiveness Christ won for them on the cross. You are forgiven!