Speaking the Truth in Love
Most people are not good communicators. Some are not good listeners, and that keeps them from hearing the other person, so how can they respond well. Others just find it hard to put their ideas and feelings into words. Then, there are the folks I want to write about tonight. There are people who are afraid to speak the truth because of what the other person will say or do. These people keep silent most of the time. It is a very detrimental situation.
If you think about this situation, it is sad. We ought to be able to speak truth any time and have the other person accept it. However, that is not the case, because many folks don't want the truth, they want their way. They want pleasure, instead of pain. They want to be in control, so if the truth gets in the way, they don't consider it. It is hard to communicate with a person like that. Most conversations are one way, instead of two way conversations.
The people who need to deliver the truth to others are often paralyzed by the desire to be accepted and to have peace. Therefore, they don't say anything, or at least, they don't say much. What a tragedy! How can we live a truly productive life of fulfillment without basing it on truth? It is not really possible. That is why Ephesians 4:15 encourages all of us to "speak the truth in love" so we can all grow up in Christ and be mature. This is the key. We must say what we say in love and make sure it is God's truth, not just our opinion. It may hurt, but it is the only way to bring about God's perfect will for us and those around us.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Isaiah 30-31 and Philippians 4.
If you think about this situation, it is sad. We ought to be able to speak truth any time and have the other person accept it. However, that is not the case, because many folks don't want the truth, they want their way. They want pleasure, instead of pain. They want to be in control, so if the truth gets in the way, they don't consider it. It is hard to communicate with a person like that. Most conversations are one way, instead of two way conversations.
The people who need to deliver the truth to others are often paralyzed by the desire to be accepted and to have peace. Therefore, they don't say anything, or at least, they don't say much. What a tragedy! How can we live a truly productive life of fulfillment without basing it on truth? It is not really possible. That is why Ephesians 4:15 encourages all of us to "speak the truth in love" so we can all grow up in Christ and be mature. This is the key. We must say what we say in love and make sure it is God's truth, not just our opinion. It may hurt, but it is the only way to bring about God's perfect will for us and those around us.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Isaiah 30-31 and Philippians 4.