The Christian's Worthy Walk: Corporate Transformation, Part 8

When a local church is corporately pursuing Christ, its members will speak the truth in love to one another for the purpose of encouraging spiritual growth. But what makes our communication loving? Is it the hearer's response to our message, or how it makes him feel? Far from bringing clarity, emotions only cloud the issue. Speaking the truth can be painful, especially when we must rebuke someone for their sin. But we must always be ready to speak the truth for the benefit of others. How can we practice loving communication? Ask questions and take time to gather the facts. Point out the person's behavior clearly, avoiding a harsh or critical tone, and give them a biblical path of restoration. Finally, remember the purpose for speaking the truth in love. It's not to satisfy ourselves or elicit some kind of emotional response in our hearer. The purpose is to demonstrate love by directing people to be more like Jesus Christ.