S.Scripture | but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, that is Christ. Ephesians 4:15

O.Observation | The first lesson here is found in the context. Reading Ephesians 4:12 and 16 we see that the gifts (abilities) Jesus gives His church are given to “equip the saints” and “build up the body.” This teaching contradicts the un-biblical modern church methodology of using the worship service as a “showroom floor” to attract the lost. Verse 13 and 14 are critical in seeing the reason why Jesus gifts the church with equipping leaders. To bring us to be “a mature man,” not “children tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming.” God has given us other believers within the church to grow us, so that we do not remain infants in the faith, but mature to become more and more like our Lord. They to equip us with truth, including when they “reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction (2 Tim 4:2).” This is application of truth keeps us from being tossed about and led astray by the methodology and seemingly logical teaching of men.

So many who claim Christ today are being tossed about by teaching. Bibles go unread and the truth of God has little devotion to it, by those who claim to believe and follow it. It takes intentional care to devote yourself to the Word, just as it does to devote yourself to eating food every day (Matt 4:4).

So, the context teaches us that the church is given gifts to grows us in maturity, to grow us in truth. Now in verse 15 we learn that we are also to be speakers of truth. Though not in arrogance, but in love. Out of a concern and love for the one in sin or error. This is not accountability that comes from a self-exalting scorn. That is pride, and self-love. Yet love that is biblical and genuine, is concerned so much for others that it is compelled to speak the truth (Rom 1:14–15; 1 Cor 9:16). On the other side, worldly self-love (pride and selfishness) protects itself from the hardship of speaking truth. Truth is often awkward, difficult and scary. Those who are selfish and want to please men will avoid such conflict. Those who know the truth and love of Jesus will speak even the hardest truths, in love.

As we do this speaking the truth in love, “we are to grow up in all aspects” to be like Jesus. That means we aren’t fully grown yet. Because we will never be perfectly like Jesus, speaking the truth always happens in the context of immaturity. In other words, even though you will never be fully ready, or fully equipped, or ever holy enough in your own eyes, you are still to speak the truth in love. This accountability is part of the journey of becoming like Christ in faith and obedience, for the one speaking and the one receiving. We never arrive at perfect conformity to Jesus, but it is our aim. He is our “head” the leader and Lord of our whole life. And as our head, when we follow His will and ways we become like Him. Speaking the truth in love, is Jesus’ will and ways. Even when it’s difficult.

A.Application | Where in my life do I need to speak the truth? To myself? About something I need to believe? Or some obedience I have neglected? Is there someone in my life I need to speak the truth of the Word to? To call out sin with a loving correction or rebuke? To correct error with a gentle exhortation? How can I do this with love? See also 2 Timothy 2:24-25.

P.Prayer | Father, give me a hunger for your Word that by growing my devotion to it I might become more like Christ. That I might also know the truth more and therefore speak the truth more when you give opportunity. Open the doors of opportunity in my life and move me to speak. Humble my thoughts, that I might approach any sinner as a fellow sinner, as I am saved and sanctified by You and not my own works. Give me strength to obey the command to “speak the truth in love” and “grow up in all aspects” to be like Christ. Only for You and Your glory alone. Amen.