A note from our pastor:

“But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:”

Ephesians 4:15

Good Morning Dearly Beloved,

This verse continues the very lengthy thought of the Apostle regarding the gifts given and the actions taken for the benefit and growth of the saints in the church. Although the verses at times appear as distinct thoughts, each one builds an additional layer until reaching the ultimate conclusion (verse 16).

In this particular verse, the Apostle is going to provide an action to be taken and the manner in which the action should be performed.

First — the action. The Apostle instructs his audience to speak the truth. Not just any truth, but the truth of and given by Jesus Christ. This is an important instruction for the church in any age. It is an action which can only be performed when the Holy Spirit is present and when study has led to understanding. Preaching the truth of Jesus Christ is preaching the essence of Christ. The truth tells of the grace, mercy, love, and hope held in Christ.

The timing of Paul’s original message points the reader to a secondary lesson. The church at Ephesus, along with all of the early churches, was filled with new converts. New converts are particularly susceptible to be led astray by false teachers and false doctrine. The best way to strengthen any new convert is to preach the simple truth of Jesus Christ.

Second — the method. The Apostle emphasizes the need to preach the truth but likewise emphasizes the need to do so in love. Other methods could have emphasized strict obedience, fear, exclusiveness, or countless other methods. Many have used these methods when engaging with the children of God. But Paul emphasizes what Christ valued in his ministry — for his people to love one another.

The message being — when growth for the children of God is the purpose, love is necessary. We cannot and should not expect the children of God to grow towards Christ when the predominant view in the church becomes one of fear, obedience, or exclusivity.

Through his Apostle, God has given us the method for the children of God to grow towards Christ — truth with a heavy dose of love.

Our Prayers are with you daily,

Brother Jeremiah