Speaking Truth in Love

Services

Sunday - 10AM Worship Service & Bible Blast | Wednesday - 7PM Prayer & Praise

by: Gene Ziesel

09/12/2025

0

Considering all that's happened this week, especially the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, I couldn't shake off this verse in Ephesians 4:15, where Paul writes—“Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.”
What I think kept this verse on my mind is that many people have been celebrating his death on social media. It’s alarming that they're doing this simply because they don’t share his Christian values. I had the opportunity to meet Charlie in person when his organization covered the cost of my attendance at one of their significant events in Arizona a few years ago. I may not have agreed with all of his views on scripture, but he was a genuinely kind and gracious man who genuinely sought to follow God's will. 
Paul's letter to the Ephesians calls believers to live a new, transformed life through Christ's resurrection. In chapter 4, he emphasizes practical aspects of Christian living, urging unity and spiritual maturity.
The command to "speak the truth in love" contrasts with immaturity, like being "tossed to and fro by the waves" (Ephesians 4:14). It reflects spiritual maturity, requiring two essential elements:
1. Speaking the truth: This means sharing the Gospel and confronting sin or error when needed. Knowing God's truth through His Word is essential. The truth isn't a harsh weapon but a healing balm when used correctly.
2. In love: This element prevents truth from becoming harsh or selfish. The Greek word agape refers to God's selfless, sacrificial love—patient and kind, not arrogant or rude (1 Corinthians 13:4–7). Speaking the truth in love aims to build others up, not shame them.
The goal of 'truthing in love' is to foster spiritual growth, not win arguments, both in the individual and the church, as we grow 'into Christ' and become more like Him.
So, how can we aim to speak the truth in love? Here are five key takeaways:
Examine your motives before speaking difficult truths. Pause and consider if your motivation is to be right or genuine love for the person's well-being.
Filter words through love; truth without love condemns, love without truth is sentimentality. They must unite. If words lack grace, wait until you can speak with kindness, compassion, and humility.
Prioritize relationships, as they build trust and caring needed to speak hard truths. People trust corrections from those who genuinely love them.
Listen before speaking. Understand the other's perspective and feelings to avoid rushing to conclusions and let the Holy Spirit guide your words.
Leave the results to God. Be faithful in speaking truth in love; you're not responsible for the response. The outcome is in God's hands.
Whether you agreed with Charlie’s spiritual or political views, what struck me was his genuine effort to live by Paul’s words in Ephesians 4:15: "speaking the truth in love.” You’ll be truly missed, Charlie, but I'm convinced you're in a much better place, even if it's hard for us here. Still, I'm certain we'll meet again someday.
Our loving and gracious Heavenly Father, thank you for Charlie's life. I pray now for his wife and two children as they navigate this world without him. Help us to speak the truth with kindness and compassion, just as you've shown us. Guide our hearts and words so we can build up your church and grow together in His image. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.
Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith,
Gene
2 Peter 3:18
Blog comments will be sent to the moderator
Considering all that's happened this week, especially the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, I couldn't shake off this verse in Ephesians 4:15, where Paul writes—“Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.”
What I think kept this verse on my mind is that many people have been celebrating his death on social media. It’s alarming that they're doing this simply because they don’t share his Christian values. I had the opportunity to meet Charlie in person when his organization covered the cost of my attendance at one of their significant events in Arizona a few years ago. I may not have agreed with all of his views on scripture, but he was a genuinely kind and gracious man who genuinely sought to follow God's will. 
Paul's letter to the Ephesians calls believers to live a new, transformed life through Christ's resurrection. In chapter 4, he emphasizes practical aspects of Christian living, urging unity and spiritual maturity.
The command to "speak the truth in love" contrasts with immaturity, like being "tossed to and fro by the waves" (Ephesians 4:14). It reflects spiritual maturity, requiring two essential elements:
1. Speaking the truth: This means sharing the Gospel and confronting sin or error when needed. Knowing God's truth through His Word is essential. The truth isn't a harsh weapon but a healing balm when used correctly.
2. In love: This element prevents truth from becoming harsh or selfish. The Greek word agape refers to God's selfless, sacrificial love—patient and kind, not arrogant or rude (1 Corinthians 13:4–7). Speaking the truth in love aims to build others up, not shame them.
The goal of 'truthing in love' is to foster spiritual growth, not win arguments, both in the individual and the church, as we grow 'into Christ' and become more like Him.
So, how can we aim to speak the truth in love? Here are five key takeaways:
Examine your motives before speaking difficult truths. Pause and consider if your motivation is to be right or genuine love for the person's well-being.
Filter words through love; truth without love condemns, love without truth is sentimentality. They must unite. If words lack grace, wait until you can speak with kindness, compassion, and humility.
Prioritize relationships, as they build trust and caring needed to speak hard truths. People trust corrections from those who genuinely love them.
Listen before speaking. Understand the other's perspective and feelings to avoid rushing to conclusions and let the Holy Spirit guide your words.
Leave the results to God. Be faithful in speaking truth in love; you're not responsible for the response. The outcome is in God's hands.
Whether you agreed with Charlie’s spiritual or political views, what struck me was his genuine effort to live by Paul’s words in Ephesians 4:15: "speaking the truth in love.” You’ll be truly missed, Charlie, but I'm convinced you're in a much better place, even if it's hard for us here. Still, I'm certain we'll meet again someday.
Our loving and gracious Heavenly Father, thank you for Charlie's life. I pray now for his wife and two children as they navigate this world without him. Help us to speak the truth with kindness and compassion, just as you've shown us. Guide our hearts and words so we can build up your church and grow together in His image. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.
Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith,
Gene
2 Peter 3:18
cancel save

0 Comments on this post:

write a comment
post comment cancel