God is truth and love, and He always speaks the truth in love. If we are His offspring (having His Spirit in us), He expects us to have this same trait of speaking the truth in love. This, however, cannot be done in our strength but rather by allowing the character of Christ to manifest through us. The reality of Christ living in us is also significant in that it shows God’s willingness to be identified with us (2 Corinthians 6:18). He is not ashamed of us!
Likewise, we should not be ashamed to align ourselves with God and spread the gospel (Romans 1:16). While Jesus was on earth, He always echoed and did what His Heavenly Father said and did. We should therefore also be willing to say/do whatever God places in our hearts with full assurance that whatever He says is the truth, and it will be confirmed by heaven. We cannot afford to miss the opportunity to be His mouthpiece in a moment, as it might cost someone unnecessary suffering or even their lives, for which God will certainly hold us accountable (Ezekiel 3:18-19).
HOW CAN WE SPEAK THE TRUTH IN LOVE?
To speak the truth in love, we must first embrace the love of God that is already in us. His love is the type that knows no fear, therefore we will be free to speak truth without fear of the recipient’s response or lack thereof. It will also ensure we stay faithful to doing His will and not compromise or disobey in fulfilling His desire for us to be His voice to others. Ultimately, more than speaking His words, the truth must be in us (Ephesians 4:15). When we obey God, our very lives declare the truth in love.
If our character changes based on the environment we are in, we are living a lie. We must exhibit the words and character of Christ regardless of where we are. Note, this is not a superpower given to a few—every saint can do it! This is because, once we are born again, God’s love fills our hearts to overflow into every part of our lives, and this love compels us to obey Him.
“Such hope [in God’s promises] never disappoints us, because God’s love has been abundantly poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Romans 5:5 (Amplified Bible)
“If you [really] love Me, you will keep and obey My commandments.” John 14:15 (Amplified Bible)
We must have full confidence that God not only loves us but that His love is in us and we ought to love from that endless source within us. People often say, “That’s God; He’s different. We’re human,” (suggesting they cannot love as God loves) but friends, let’s look into what God’s Word commands of those who have received His Spirit of love and truth:
Since we have been made one with Christ, we must demonstrate our power to do as He does, even to love as He loves.
“I do not pray for these alone [it is not for their sake only that I make this request], but also for [all] those who [will ever] believe and trust in Me through their message, that they all may be one; just as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be one in Us, so that the world may believe [without any doubt] that You sent Me.” John 17:20-21 (Amplified Bible)
Jesus prayed those words, and His prayer has been answered and continues to be answered. In His faithfulness to mankind, not desiring that we perish in our sins, God sent His Son to die for us, granting those who believe in Him not just the gift of eternal life but also joining Himself to them and giving them power to become sons of God. (John 3:16, John 1:12, 1 Corinthians 6:17) This therefore means Jesus did not remain His “only begotten.” The truth is, through Jesus’ sacrifice, God has produced many sons on the earth. Called the Church, we are made in His image, and we are not only called but also able to embrace truth and speak it in love.
Here it is, confirmed again in John 13:34-35 (Amplified Bible),
“I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, so you too are to love one another. By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you have love and unselfish concern for one another.”
Now it’s in living out this oneness with God (by our obedience/submission) that others will believe in Jesus, proving it is mandatory that as Christians, people experience the perfect, unconditional love of God through us. This oneness means there will be no difference between the character of Jesus and that of His church. Every aspect of our lives, even our thoughts, must be governed by truth and love.
LIVING LIVES CONTRARY TO THE TRUTH
Anything we think, do, or say that is contrary to the truth is a lie. One of the many lies Satan uses to draw hearts away from walking in the truth of who God has made them is through lying thoughts and emotions.
If we are living in submission to God, but find we experience thoughts and emotions that are not His, we must discern that these are actually impressions/suggestions from Satan, which he inserts at strategic moments, and be swift to respond by resisting instead of embracing them.
Scripture puts it this way, “Casting down every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God and make it obedient to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5
On the flip side, if we choose to embrace Satan’s thoughts and emotions, then this is something of which we need to repent. For example, if someone behaves in an offensive manner, while there is a reason to be offended, God says it is not righteous to be offended (as this puts a cap on His love flowing through you, invites unforgiveness, bitterness, vengeance, etc.) but Satan, on the other hand, will magnify the offence and continually incite thoughts and emotions accordingly. In these situations, we must believe the truth that we have been given power over all the power of the enemy and choose to exercise that reality and authority. Quite frankly, if we will not readily/willingly die for our offenders then we are yet to live in the truth of the love of God (Romans 5:8).
On the matter of offences, it must be said that it is as important to receive truth gracefully as it is to speak it. If you are confronted with wrongdoing, never embrace offence or the emotion of shame/self-condemnation—either of these is a reflection of pride, which further separates us from God. Actually, shame causes us to hide or run away from God, which does no good for us. God’s heart in confrontation has nothing to do with condemnation, but rather reconciliation and forgiveness as we humbly acknowledge the truth and repent. Likewise, if we are the ones to speak the truth to someone, our heart must be in this same posture—not just wanting to point out their wrong and shame/belittle them (this is of the devil).
So, how does this apply to you, youth? Does God require your life (thoughts, words, and deeds) to speak the truth in love? Are you too young? Take a look at the Biblical accounts of young David, Samuel, and especially Jesus; you will find your answer. Furthermore, if you desire a true relationship with God, then you ought to know that He neither loves nor fellowships with lies (1 John 1:5-6).
Passion & Purity is a school-based Christian ministry.
