Ephesians 4:15- Speaking the Truth in Love

[TLFisher]

Please consider Ephesians 4:15. I found this particular web page helpful, http://www.bibletruths.net/archives/BTAR261.htm .

King James, NIV, and New American Standard translations use the phrase speaking the truth in love.

“What speaking the truth in love is not. There is no small amount of confusion as to what constitutes speaking the truth in love. In fact, there are so many misunderstandings that in some situations it is impossible to speak the truth in love.
Speaking the truth in love, first of all, is not holding back parts of the truth. Paul said, "For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God" (Acts 20: 27). Paul appreciated the truth to the point of allowing it to make those whom he loved his enemies (Gal. 4: 16). Notwithstanding, I have had people say to me, "Don, you do not have to teach on all matters, in fact, if you love people, you will spare them the truth on especially painful subjects." One man who is today a preacher himself once told me relative to his parents who were members where I preached, "If you have love, you will not teach on divorce and remarriage because you know my parents have both been married to others!" Therefore, he demanded that part of the truth be withheld and used "speaking the truth in love" as his authority (see Matthew 19: 9). Love rather than causing one to withhold what is needed and applicable will actually precipitate "declaring the whole counsel of God" (cp. Prov. 13: 24).
Speaking the truth in love is not watering down the truth. Some seek to dilute and weaken the truth (I Pet. 2: 1, 2). "Preacher, tone down your preaching," we hear and, "Do not rock the boat." The same writer who penned, "…speaking the truth in love" also wrote, "Preach the word: be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine" (2 Tim. 4: 2).
Speaking the truth in love is not being so obscure that the hearers do not understand. Some preachers are skilled in circumlocution. After patiently listening to them, you realize that what they have said cannot really be decisively understood. Spirit led preachers who spoke the truth in love were clear and precise in their preaching (cp. Acts 2: 37, 38-41).
What speaking the truth in love is. The way to determine what speaking the truth in love constitutes is by considering approved examples.
The examples of speaking the truth in love clearly exemplify boldness. Jesus' teaching was "open" and "plain" (Mk. 8: 32; Jn. 10: 24, 11). One descriptive word used by the Holy Spirit to describe the preaching of the apostles is the Greek parresia, which is often translated "boldness" (Acts 4: 13, 29, 31). To the same people to whom Paul wrote "…speaking the truth in love," he later wrote in soliciting their prayers, "And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel" (Eph. 6: 19).
Speaking the truth in love necessitates the use of both the positive and negative. Modern man in his education has often come to believe that preaching must be positive. The Positive Movement even in some churches of Christ has precluded New Testament preaching and actually speaking the truth in love. The New Testament is replete with what to do (positive) and what not to do (negative). The word encourages good (positive) and exposes and condemns evil (negative, 3 Jn. 5-12).
Speaking the truth in love entails the presentation of all that God has said. What some do not realize who hold views that circumvent and prevent speaking the truth in love is that the truth sets free and saves (Jn. 8: 32, Jas. 1: 18ff.). Therefore, if one truly loves others, he will deliver the "whole counsel of God" (Acts 20: 27). Also, the word is designed to often be punitive in order that correction and repentance will follow (2 Tim. 4: 2, Heb. 12: 5ff.).”

Along with James 5:16, Hebrews 3:13, and 1 John 1:7-8, Ephesians 4:15 compise of verses key to experience and enjoyment of fellowship. It means confronting and bringing into the light issues that are hidden in the dark. It's speaking the truth in love and encouraging one another while it is yet today.

Terry