Monday - Speaking Truth in Love

Ephesians 4:25–32 – Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: neither give place to the devil. Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: and be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

Truth really is the foundation of every relationship with God and with people. That is why the Bible calls the Holy Spirit the “Spirit of truth” in John 16:13. He guides us into truth, and when we are honest, we are living in step with His nature and His purpose.

But here’s the thing—we all struggle with this. Sometimes it is the little stuff. A “white lie” we tell so we do not have to deal with conflict. Or a half-truth to make ourselves look a little better. The problem is, even the smallest lie grieves the Holy Spirit and damages our relationships.

Today, let me encourage you to make the choice to speak truth in love. That does not mean being harsh. It means praying for wisdom, slowing down before you speak, and asking God to help you share truth with grace and kindness. When you do that, you are not just avoiding lies. You are reflecting the very heart of God.