CONTROLLING THOUGHT:

Let the meditations of our heart, our words and actions be approved of You O Lord.

KEY VERSE Ephesians 4:15:

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

BIBLE TEXT:

Ephesians 4:14-15

THE MESSAGE:

Have you ever had someone tell you the truth and it hurt? Most times, the truth hurts. Sometimes love hurts too.

Read these portions:

My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth (1 John 3:18).

Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another (Ephesians 4:25).

The truth can be bitter, but the pain that comes from honesty is out of love. The pain that comes from lying is not something that should be done to a neighbor. We must love our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:31), and speak truthfully to our neighbors in order to fulfill God's law (Ephesians 4:25). We need truth and love to be in balanced in order for us to fulfill the covenant of God.

Remember that God's word is truth: "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth" (John 1:14). Seek truth and love with all that you do and think. Ask that the meditations of your heart and actions be acceptable in the sight of our Lord.

PRAYER:

Truthful and dear loving Lord, I aim to be more like You everyday. As You show me to do through Your loving son, Jesus Christ, grant me the wisdom and strength to love all people at all times. I ask that You make me wiser and desire truth and love more. In Your name i pray - Amen.