How Ephesians 4 Encourages Us to Share Truth in Love
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It is that time in the college semester when I have gone through the lesson on purity with the girls who I mentor. Honestly this can be the easiest conversation, or a very uncomfortable time. It is hard to share Biblical truth with others when you know it is going to convict or be contradictory to what they believe and how they live.
1. Paul Starts His Message with Unity and Humility (Ephesians 4:1-13)
Before approaching someone with a challenging truth from the Bible, make sure that you pray ahead of time. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you the words to say. Pray that your love for them will be communicated in the conversation. Plan to start out your discussion with the idea of unity like Paul and being humble in your approach. There is nothing worse than someone coming off as better than or having a prideful attitude, especially if it is an area he or she has been faithful in. Recognize that we all have struggles and that you want to share this truth because you believe God has better for them.
2. Go Bravely into Correction (Ephesians 4:14-31)
Take the leap of faith and be brave. When you share, talk to God silently. Ask Him to direct you as you converse and if you do not know what to say. Be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to become angry (James 1:19). Include the instruction and the blessings that come from living life in the ways of God. Make sure you present that it is not just a rule or command, but a gift and a blessing to follow the ways of the Lord.
When talking about sexual purity, I share that God created sex. I used the analogy that just like the person who created my car knows how to use it better than I do, the Lord knows the context in which sex was intended. Anything outside of His intended purpose is sin and results in pain and heartbreak. However, when we follow His design through the help of His Holy Spirit, we have His favor and blessing. Paul himself used the analogy of an infant on spiritual milk instead of maturing to solid food. Analogies are very helpful and can paint a clearer image of what we are trying to communicate.
3. Trust the Holy Spirit to Work in the Individual’s Heart (Ephesians 4:32)
After you wrap up and give a call to action, finish the conversation in a compassionate way; release this discussion to the work of the Holy Spirit. There is only so much that we can do. At the end of the day, that person makes choices on their own and we are not responsible for his or her decisions. However, we can pray for them and continue to model and encourage the way of Christ. It can feel burdensome if others do not change, however we need to be careful of the pride in thinking that we are responsible for changing others. May we humbly release these loved ones to God and trust that He is working in their lives, and we have done our part to tell them of His ways.
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