Speaking Truth Lovingly Entails Listening Carefully

As members of Christ’s body, the church, we have the privilege and responsibility of protecting one another in the truth.  This is the heart of what God commands in Eph. 4:25 –

 

Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.

 

We need to be moving toward one another, and seeking to move each another toward Christ by speaking the truth of God’s word in love (see also Eph. 4:12-16).  We’re thus to help one another stand against the deceitful lies of Satan.  He is the one who relentlessly seeks to lead us into unbelief and disobedience, to think that God and His word doesn’t matter.

 

Part of learning to speak the truth wisely in love means listening carefully to one another!  And listening carefully often involves asking good questions:

 

  • How is it with your soul?
  • How can I pray for you?
  • Any challenges you are currently facing…any temptations?
  • What things are you thankful for today?
  • What truths from God’s word are you feeding on today?

 

Beloved, may God help us minister His truth to one another lovingly and skillfully, that we might strengthen each other’s faith.  And may He thereby equip us to all the more faithfully proclaim the gospel to those who are lost.

 

Because Christ lives, and is returning,

Greg