AUGUST 21 | Ephesians 4:15-16

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DAILY READING

Ephesians 4:15-16

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REFLECTION

Speak Only Truth

By Judy Webb

Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. (Ephesians 4:15-16)

Speaking the truth in love…just what does that mean? Is it merely having those difficult conversations? Are you okay with confrontation when the situation calls for it? Then, how does one become comfortable talking to folks about the things that cause knots in your stomach? It takes maturity and confidence in knowing the right things to do and the mettle to follow through.

“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” (Romans 12:12 ESV)

For most of us, these difficult conversations with friends or family don’t come naturally. We procrastinate and put them off repeatedly. As Christians, we must remember to take this to God in prayer, seeking wisdom to say the right words, with the right heart. And perhaps we need to be okay if the words don’t come naturally.

Choosing to live this way requires a daily decision to put others before ourselves, to give up control, and to seek unity even when it’s inconvenient. We can consider such growth as becoming what God wants us to be. We are to grow into adults – spiritual adults too. We are meant to mature in our faith and in our relationships. Failing to speak truth in love is not growth, but fear.

Micah 6:8 “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? (ESV)

We never grow up independent of Jesus. When speaking the truth in love there must be a right spirit - truth is the element in which we are to live, move, and have our being. Jesus is that truth. Jesus is the source of growth, not just the goal.

“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”

(Ps 51:10 NIV)

PRAYER

Dear Lord,

Teach us to speak truth and not take the easy way out. You set an example with the hard conversation you had with your disciples. I am referring to the Last Supper when you revealed that there was one among you with an insincere heart. Show us when our hearts need adjustment, we are often in need of a new perspective that only a true conversation will provide. Amen!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

JUDY WEBB

I have been a member of UALC for 26 years and have been writing devotions for this site for about 17 of them. Writing is my passion. As retired staff I still love everything about UALC and its members including my small group.