Speaking the Truth in Love

This morning I am reading from Ephesians 4:11-16 NIV:

[11] "So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, [12] to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up [13] until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ."

[14] "Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. [15] Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. [16] From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work."

I am focused specifically on verse 15, and the right application of that verse, and correct context. Its always funny how certain verses are taken completely out of context, and applied to many non-contextual situations. I can't tell how many different ways I have heard the phrase "Speaking the truth in love", and most of the time I hear that verse, it has nothing to do with correct teaching, and growth and maturity in the context of the body of Christ, which is the very clear context of Paul's writing.

Paul is writing about the role's of the different ministry offices in the growing of the church, and how one of their important roles is bringing truth, holding onto the truth, and establishing a strong and steady foundation of knowledge and understanding within the church, that will withstand the constant barrage of deception, wrong teaching and worldly perspectives that try to infiltrate the church. Speaking the truth in love, has to do with freeing people from these deceptions, their wrong thinking, and wrong ideas in a loving manner, not punishing them, or being harsh with them for wrong ideas they have believed or espoused. It means conveying to people their true identities, who they are in Christ, how God sees them, what He purposes for their lives.

Paul is not talking about correcting personal character traits, or holding people accountable to certain standards of behavior. He is not talking about the spiritualization of a critical nature, where you pick someone apart, but tell them its because You love them, and thus think this behavior is OK. He is not talking about constantly correcting someone you love, because you love them and what the best for them. This is not a 'carte blanche ' for a critical spirit, nor is it permission to taking on the Lord's role as Lord over someone's life, thinking that if you see something out of line in their life its you responsibility to point this issue out and tell them to change, all because you say you love them so much.

Instead, Paul is calling the body to growth and maturity. He is calling the offices of the church to step into their roles and effectively lead the church in growth. He is saying that they will need to bring forth truth, help people to establish relationships of trust and true identity, and begin doing the work they are called to do. He is calling the church to recognize their role in bringing the "Truth" to the world, holding onto the truth, and guarding the truth, and in all things doing so in love.

Lord, help me to walk in this, the right understanding and right application of this excellent word from Paul. Help me to rid myself of any critical spirit, and be a true representative of Your love and mercy. Help me to fully mature in my walk with You, holding fast to the truth of who You are, and who I am in you.