“He gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love…
“Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor… Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil… Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear… Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you… Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
“Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking,.. but instead let there be thanksgiving… for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord… The fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true…
“Be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 4:11-16,25-27,29,31-32; 5:1-2,4,8-10,18b-20
Paul is a man of many words, but important, well-thought-through and carefully-chosen ones. From prison with time to process, he’s concerned for the Ephesian church, and writes specific truth for their protection and edification. His is no extraneous ministry.
While truth-telling is an important mark of a Christian, it should be issued with certain parameters and ends. We’re not to spout off irrelevant babble, nor talk to tear down, nor gossip by confessing others’ sins behind their back, nor boast. Our words spoken are to upbuild, promote growth and unity in Christ, foster friendship and solve problems, and extend and encourage grace.
How committed am I to speaking truth? Are there topics and personal areas where I tend to skimp on truth or exaggerate facts? When I do speak truth, is it pinched with pride, jealousy, or anger, or delivered with grace and love? Am I careful to check motive before speaking: to puff up self, or build up another? To pontificate on my opinion and vast knowledge, or to promote someone else’s gifts and maturity? How will I today voice God’s truth to enhance conversation and encourage discovery, refinement, and growth?
Lord, may I speak only words of truth that build up others and bless Your name.
As the rain and snow 