HARD TRUTHS FROM A SOFT HEART

Believers are to be the channel through which the Gospel message flows ... God has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation. (2 Corinthians 5:18)

To represent the Lord rightly, we must eschew anything that contradicts His compassionate character ... 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) 

'Truth' is to be spoken at the right time, with the right words, in the right spirit. 

Jesus set the example ... We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)

We are to bring encouragement to a lost and dying world ... You must let no unwholesome word come out of your mouth, but only what is beneficial for the building up of the one in need, that it would give grace to those who hear. (Ephesians 4:29)

Some Christians are adamant in defending and upholding God’s revealed truth. But it is without love (relishing a good fight). Others go to the opposite extreme. They are determined to express tolerance in the name of love ... sacrificing truth in the process. Both are unbalanced and unbiblical. 

Truth without love is brutality. Love without truth is hypocrisy.

'Hard truths from a soft heart' are only possible through His indwelling ... the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance. (Galatians 5:22-23)

Peter put it this way ... Always be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope and confident assurance that is within you, yet with gentleness and respect. (1 Peter 3:15)

Clearly and unapologetically deliver the truth ... but in love.