Our “tongue-control” determines much of how our lives impact others. Consider how much our parents’ words shaped our lives. Consider how much the right words from a friend have encouraged us. “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones” (Pro. 16:24, NIV). Consider how much the words of Scripture radically transform our lives. This impact from words is the reason it is so important to master our tongues; our words have the power to encourage and bless others. When we consider how little effort it takes, it is quite amazing that a few well-chosen words can infuse comfort or confidence into someone else’s heart. That is why Ephesians 4:15 states: “speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ” (ESV).
Words are essential to the kinds of relationships God wants to see in our lives. Relationships are the bonds in the body of Christ and the pathway to drawing others into the kingdom. Communication is essential to relationships because that is how we reveal ourselves to others and express our attitudes toward them. Unless we communicate our desire for their well-being how will others know our heart? And unless I communicate who I am to others they cannot have a friendship with me because they do not know me. Thus, we can only build friendships by revealing ourselves: our thoughts, feelings, desires, history, weaknesses, hopes, fears and joys.
Below is a meditation to help us examine how we speak the truth in love.
Absorb Scripture. Read Ephesians 4:15 “speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ” (ESV). Read it with your name in it. Imagine Jesus standing in front of you speaking these words to you; how does this affect you? Ruminate on it and let it sink in.
Truth Commitment. Invite God to reveal your heart then ask yourself: How much do I believe that speaking the truth in love is critical to growing in Christ?
Virtue & Action Commitment. Invite God to reveal your heart then ask yourself: Am I fully embracing speaking the truth in love? How do I need to be more intentional about how or what I speak? In what situations in my life do I tend to fall short in this area?
Reception (Contemplation.) Ask God to show you anything that you have not fully embraced as well as anything else he desires to show you, or ask Jesus a question about this topic. Sit with a quiet and open heart for at least 60 seconds.
Who do you need to speak some truth to, in love?
