Plain truth-speaking, on the other hand, goes straight to the heart of believers and doesn't get in the way of unbelievers. (The Message)
Speaking the truth in love is a phrase that you might hear from time to time and yet it will mean different things to different people. Paul emphasizes the need for speaking in ways that believers will understand and at the same time will not turn off those who are yet to believe. This really ends up being more difficult than we might assume. It seems so easy for us to begin speaking in ways that exclude others because we develop a common language based upon our shared experiences. Before we know it those who are on the outside get turned off or feel excluded based upon our language.
Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:
- What do you hear most often, plain truth-speaking or religiouseze within the church?
- Do you speak differently around people you know are believers vs. those who you are unsure of their faith?
- How might you speak truthfully about your life and faith in such ways that would invite others into a relationship with Jesus rather than turn them off?
- What language barriers in your faith community might need to be taken down so that others might see Jesus more clearly?
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