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Scripture Reading:  Ephesians 4:7-16

Speaking the Truth in Love

Intro.

1.  Our speech tells a lot about us (Lk. 6:45; Matt. 5:37; 26:73).

2.  Eph. 4:15 – The Christian’s assignment in speech involves two things:

  a.  An absolute:  Speaking “truth”.

  b.  Application of the principle:  In “love”.

3.  Whenever the Christian speaks it must be the truth & it is to be done in love (to our children, spouse, with brethren, strangers, teaching the gospel…).

4.  Things that are required to speak the truth in love.

I.  IT REQUIRES SPEAKING.

  A.  Our Speech must be Brought & kept Under Control – Jas. 3:2-5, 8.

    1.  Requires constant surveillance.

    2.  1:19 – Need for deliberateness vs. rashness.

    3.  1 Tim. 4:12; Tit. 2:7-8 – Our speech is to be exemplary.

  B.  We must be Willing to Speak When it Would be Easier to Remain Silent – Col. 4:2-6.

    1.  Paul in bonds, yet he would not be silent with the gospel.

    2.  Gal. 2:14 – Silence is easier, but when sin is involved…damaging.

    3.  When a brother sins (Matt. 18:15; Gal. 6:1); When error is advocated (2 Tim. 4:2); when offenses occur…speak wisely – Col. 4:5-6.

II.  SPEAKING THE TRUTH – Eph. 4:25.

  A.  “What is Truth?”  (Jno. 18:38)

    1.  “Unconcealed, manifest” – That which is real, reality, nothing hidden.

    2.  When we speak truth, we do not hide reality (including our intentions, motives, agendas, etc.) Matt. 15:7-9; Acts 5:3-4.

    3.  “Ideal, genuine” – That which is right & just – cf. Prov. 12:17.

  B.  Speaking Truth is a Trademark of the Christian – Matt. 5:37; Col. 3:9-10; Phil. 4:8.

  C.  Speaking Truth is Anchored in “the Truth” of the Gospel – Jno. 17:17; 8:32.

III.  SPEAKING THE TRUTH IN LOVE (cf. 1 Cor. 13:6).

   -HOW we speak the truth is also important, as is the truth we speak!

   -LOVE:  To do what is good for the one loved (cf. Jno. 3:16 with 1 Cor. 13:3).   (cf. Matt. 7:12)

  A.  Requires Addressing the Need of the Listener.

    1.  Eph. 4:29 – Assess & address.

    2.  Acts 20:20 – When the topic that which is needed is spoken / preached, love is doing its work.

      a.  Unbeliever:  Speak to him about Jesus (Acts 17:16-17).

      b.  Erring brother:  Bring truth to bear on problem (Jas. 5:19-20).

    3.  Use your opportunity to help the spiritual condition of hearer.

    4.  “Love” is not “compromise”:

      a.  Love does not mean never reproving, rebuking, denouncing sinful conduct or doctrinal error (2 Tim. 4:2).

      b.  Love never intentionally inflicts pain (not its purpose).

      c.  However, pain is the occasional by-product of love – Prov. 27:6 (2 Cor. 7:8-11).

  B.  Requires Speaking for the Right Reason – 1 Cor. 16:14; Eph. 4:14-16 (Gal. 2:14; 4:16).

    1.  Love regulates its reasons for speaking

    2.  Our motives (why) & procedure (how) must be pure:  Not to “get even”; to inflict pain; to elevate ourselves; etc. - Phil. 1:15-17.

    3.  1 Cor. 13:1, 4-7 – Motive of our speech.

  C.  Requires that We Seek to Speak in the Most Effective Way Possible – Col. 4:6.

    1.  Gospel is powerful (Rom. 1:16), but power in the wrong hands is dangerous!  Gospel truth must be used responsibly.

    2.  cf. Nathan & David (2 Sam. 12:1-15) – Nathan could have romped with righteous indignation – But he wanted David’s salvation (not personal satisfaction).

    3.  Without misrepresentation – Jno. 7:24. (Truth doesn’t need to!)

    4.  What do we want when we speak the truth: to vindicate ourselves or to vindicate & support truth?

Conclusion

1.  Speaking truth in love is expected of God’s people.

2.  Be ready to speak (when needed), to speak truth (without deception), & to do so in love (for the lasting good of those who hear us).