Today’s Post By: Rae Lynn DeAngelis

“Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.” (1 Corinthians 13:6)

There are two powerful means of influence in this world—truth and love. When these work together, the stage is set for radical change.

Have you ever had to speak the truth in love to someone? Not only is it not easy, but sometimes no matter how gentle and loving we try to voice the words they are not received in the manner in which we hope—at least not initially.

“Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth?” (Galatians 4:16)

Some will not only reject the truth, but they may even reject us for being the vehicle through which it was spoken. I’ve had to learn this one the hard way.

Even if someone rejects our words initially, the seeds of truth planted today may bloom at a later time.

It takes time for the truth to sink in. It also takes a teachable spirit with a willingness to reflect inward. This is a good thing to remember when we are on the receiving end of spoken truth. As God’s children, we should have a pliable spirit.

“Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.” (John 17:17)

“As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:10-11)

Before we speak we need to check our motives by asking ourselves, what do I hope to achieve in sharing this information? If our motive is anything but love, then we need to examine our own heart in the matter.

“Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.” (1 Corinthians 13:6)

We should always cover the matter in prayer and seek God’s guidance before sharing our hearts with someone. God’s Spirit will give us the right words and attitude when the time comes to share. We also need to ask God to prepare the heart of the one to whom we will speak.

“Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.” (Ephesians 4:15)

Truth and love—together they can change the world.