By: Bishop Dr. Etta Mhoon-Walker, Ph.D., D. Div.
Saturday Devotion and Prayer. April 15, 2023
“Boldness to Speak the Truth in Love”“But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: [16] 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 4:15-16
Speaking the truth in love isn’t about winning an argument or wielding the Bible to attack others’ beliefs. It is about lovingly guiding people back to Scripture so the Body of Christ can be built up in the knowledge of God, equipped to minister for God’s glory. The truth may offend, but our delivery does not need to be offensive. We long to see others walk in the truth so that we can see lives changed and the gospel go forth. Truth divides, but we do not want to be divisive with our words as if we are trying to prove ourselves right. It’s not about being right (God is right). We want to learn how to rightly discern God’s Word together and grow spiritually. It can be intimidating to stand up for and speak the truth. It often makes us uncomfortable because we don’t want to come across as someone who is a “know it all” or a lover of confrontation. Yet, we show love for God and show love to others by pointing them to the truth found in God’s Word. We can only do that with His help. May we ask for the boldness to lovingly share His truth with others so they can be free of the entanglement of lies and deception and equipped in and built up in His love.
Heavenly Father,
I know that Your Word commands us as Christians to speak the truth in love. This task isn’t always easy because we might fear rejection from those You have called us to reach. I ask You to empower me with Your grace and that Your Spirit would endow me with boldness. Help me to renew my mind with Your Word. Thank You for the leaders You have placed in my life who help me rightly divide the Scriptures so that I am not deceived. Help me care enough to speak up so that others are also not deceived. Truth matters because souls matter to You, and You want to see the Body of Christ walking in truth and love so we can shine brightly for the world. Let them see Your truth shining brightly in our lives. In Your son Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
