Speak The Truth In Love

We will speak the truth in love. Ephesians 4:15

Christian kids are taught to lie at church potlucks.

Every church has one or two women whose taste buds have been burned off by too much hot coffee. Do their families actually eat this stuff? Do they try out new recipes at potlucks?

The worst I ever experienced were yummy-looking meatballs—made from liver.

No kidding.

Of course, you’re never allowed to speak the truth: “Mommy, this smells like poop.”

Seriously, we have a tendency to sit quietly while someone does something poorly or wrong or inappropriate, because we think that loving someone requires us to remain silent.

Paul presents an argument to the contrary. Not speaking up is actually a disservice.

The balance for leaders is not easy. You want to be patient, kind, and tolerant of error, but you have a mission to accomplish, and lousy work, mistakes, and poor judgment hinder everyone’s efforts.

The critical words are in love.

If you really love someone, you tell them the truth.