"...But, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head--Christ--" (Ephesians 4:15) The same way a Christian grows, is the same way the church grows. We are planted in Christ, and from our roots in Him, we spring forth in humility, sincerity, and stability. We grow up having the mind and character of Jesus Christ. And being like Christ, we become like our Heavenly Father. In Ephesians 4 we are instructed concerning how the church is to grow and mature, and function in a healthy manner. We are not a group of people
"(children) that are tossed to and fro with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness by which they lie in wait to deceive.."(vv.13,14) But we are a group of people who know who we belong to, who we are to be like, and who we are to be built up in. We are to live, breathe, and walk in the truth of Jesus Christ. There are times that we must speak the truth, in order to keep each other in line with the will of God. But in speaking the truth, we must always have it contained in love. The support of each member of the body of Christ is extended in the virtue of love. Should we welcome criticism? Yes! We are to welcome it in love. Should we give criticism? Yes! When it is necessary, and it too should be given in love. We must remember that in all that we say in do, it must be displayed in the truth and sincerity of Christ. If not, it will not build anything but deception, selfishness, and disunity. GP
Photo by Stuart Miles. Published on 21 June 2013
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