Truth and Love

Today’s readings are out of Galatians 6:1-2 and Ephesians 4:15. Begin today’s devotion by reading these passages in your Bible.

Have you ever baked a cake and left out some ingredients? The cake just doesn’t come out right, does it? It’s helpful to think of truth and love as the two necessary ingredients for mutual growth in any accountability relationship. Authentic accountability relationships thrive when both people are humble and teachable enough to receive “truth in love” conversations. Conversations where there’s no truth and no love are simply lies which lead to rumors and gossip. Truth with no love is harsh and judgmental in nature. Love with no truth is flattery, and no one grows as a result of it. Truth and love together though can lead to authenticity, healthy accountability, and thriving relationships. This is why finding a balance of both is paramount. Let’s read and reflect more on how to live this out in our relationships.

Galatians 6:1-2 1 Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. 2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

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.

Reflect

1. What are some of the principles that these verses lay out which guide us in having truth conversations with others?
2. According to Ephesians 4:15, what are the outcomes of speaking the truth in love?
3. Have you ever had to confront someone about their sin or speak truth into a situation? What could you have done differently according to the guidelines above?
4. The word for “love” in this verse is a self-sacrificial love that works for the benefit of the one who is loved. What are ways you can practice this type of sacrificial love in your family and accountability relationships?

Act

Ask God to bring someone into your life who can encourage you, pray for you, and speak truth into you. Take the first step to invite them into your life. Meditate on the guidelines above and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal where you fall short. Invite Him to heal and bring change to those areas.

Pray

Holy Spirit, give me the courage to speak the truth in love in my relationships, and the wisdom to know when to speak and when to withhold my words. Most importantly, speak truth into my heart so that I can be the best representation of Jesus to those around me. Amen.