Sometimes love can be harsh. As parents we don’t want our kids to run out in the street. We don’t want them too close to the fire. We don’t want them to make poor choices. As we grow older, we still hope that our loved ones make right choices. If we sit by and watch, and say “that’s ok” while they make bad life choices that can affect the rest of their life or even eternity, is that love? We need to not only set the example, but tell them the truth, show them the right way. Share our faith and share who Jesus is and what He has done for us.
Ephesians 4:15
…”but speaking the truth in love may grow up in all things into Him who is the head – Christ”
(Feel free to read the complete paragraph or the chapter…it is always good to get the full context of any verse you may read)
Hebrews 3:13
…”but exhort one another daily, while it is still called ‘Today,’ lest any of you become hardened through deceitfulness of sin.”
Galatians 6:1-2
Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
James 5:19-20
Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.
I have often been accused of being judgmental. Sometimes it is that people don’t want to hear the truth, but many times they are right. I forget to speak the truth IN LOVE and it comes across as I want to show them they are wrong and I am right. My intent is to build them up and steer them in the right direction but I don’t always say it in the right way. Please pray for me that I always speak the truth IN LOVE and in a way that will be bold but gentle.
Other times, as I have said, it is that people don’t want their sin exposed or don’t want to hear the truth. Matthew 7:1 is often quoted, without the rest of the passage or ignoring those above and others. It says,
“Judge not, that you not be judged. For what judgement you judge, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, “let me remove the speck in your eye”; and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! FIRST remove the plank from you own eye, and THEN you will see clearly to remove the speck in your brother’s eye.”
So, when leading others and telling them the truth, be sure the truth is in you and you are following Christ in a way that honors Him. Realize your own flaws and sin. Pray, and speak in the Spirit. Above all else, LOVE. Remember, though, not only is love gentle, but sometimes love needs to be stern and up front. If you love someone, you want what is best for them, and the best for them is Jesus Christ. More on this next time.
My Daily Scriptures 
Good Morning. This morning the hymn, ‘Softly and tenderly’ was in my spirit. I began to sing it because it’s so beautiful how God calls us to Himself. I began to ponder how God calls us tenderly but war for our souls was violent. What a contrast? We must point out sins and help others see the error of their ways. We must also love one another like we love ourselves. We forget to do everything in love. Thank you and God bless you for this reminder.
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Thank you. It’s nice to get positive feedback. I pray we can all have boldness and remember to do it in love. I pray that our loved ones will accept God’s word as truth. I thank God for it!
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