February 24
Speaking the
Truth in Love
Ephesians 4:15
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.
Daily Steps
Healthy relationships—and the peace they bring—depend heavily on communication. For a new believer, it's vital to learn how to balance honesty with kindness. This verse gives the perfect formula for achieving unity: speaking the truth in love.
The peace in this principle comes from uniting two things that often seem opposed:
Truth (Honesty): You must be honest, direct, and clear in your communication. Avoid resentment or passive aggression, which erode trust.
Love (Kindness): Your honesty must be delivered with a genuine desire for the other person's well-being and growth. Love dictates how you say something, ensuring your tone, timing, and motives are pure.
When you practice speaking the truth in love, you eliminate the fear that your words will cause damage. Instead, your words become a tool for growth and maturity, building up the relationship toward "perfect unity." This conscious choice brings peace to your heart and stability to your relationships.
Reflective Question
Think of a difficult conversation you need to have. How can you prepare your heart and your words to ensure you are "speaking the truth in love" (using a kind tone, choosing a good time, and focusing on the relationship's growth)?
Prayer
Lord, thank You for showing us the way to true peace in communication. I ask that You guard my tongue and my heart today.
Give me the courage to speak the truth and the grace to deliver it always in love.
Help my words to build up, not tear down, so that I may contribute to unity in all my relationships. Amen.
