Above Rubies Daily Encouragement Blogs
STEPS TO PEACEMAKING 5 - SPEAK THE TRUTH IN LOVE
John 1:14: “And the Word was make flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”
John 1:17: “For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.”
In order to bring peace in a relationship, it is important to speak only the truth. However, truth without the eyes and body language of love can be very destructive. One can say, “I love you,” but the words must be backed up with the eyes and facial language that support and confirm the statement. The loving touch of a hand, coupled with the loving look of the eye has power to melt the hardened heart.
Ephesians 4:15: “Speaking the truth in love, may grow up pinto him in all things. which is the head, even Christ.”
The truth should only be spoken in order to correct, encourage, to make amends, or to bring repentance. The true Christian way to bring an accusation should always be to restore, not to condemn.
When Jesus Christ came into the world, He did not come to condemn the world. John 3:17 says: “For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world though him might be saved.” Although there was much in the world worthy of condemnation (and that is a big understatement), every word and action of Jesus, from the beginning of His ministry to the cross, was for the purpose of redemption. How can we who speak in His name do anything less?
It is also important to speak only the truth that is relevant to the subject and to resist the temptation to drag up things of the past that have already been dealt with.
We should remember 1 Peter 4:8: “And above all things have fervent love among yourselves: for love shall cover the multitude of sins.”
Also James 5:20: “Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.”
Be encouraged.
Colin Campbell
