A Christian is a follower and lover of truth. After all, Jesus is the truth (Jn 14:6). Truth is very important because it determines the outcome of our lives. Truth determines our growth. But the evidence of our spiritual maturity is 𝗡𝗢𝗧 how much truth we know, but 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗺𝘂𝗰𝗵 𝘄𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗧𝗥𝗨𝗧𝗛 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗟𝗢𝗩𝗘 𝘁𝗼𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 (Eph 4:15). This is the pinnacle of maturity – the climax and highest expression of maturity. This is also how we measure the fullness of Christ in us. When we can be Christlike and speaking the truth in love, we are growing in spiritual maturity.

Jesus says that the way the world will know that we are His disciples is by seeing our loving actions and attitudes. 1 Cor 13:4-7 gives us very clear, observable evidence. Whenever we are having a serious conversation, discussion, or even a debate, do it with as much patience, kindness, humility, politeness, forgiveness, and empathy as we can muster. 𝗔𝗹𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲; always hope for the best in them. Don’t talk down on others. Even if we have all the truth, without love, all our knowledge and facts mean nothing (1 Cor 13:2)!

Jesus teaches us that when we need to have a serious conversation with anyone, we should do so with the person 𝗱𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗹𝘆 and 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗹𝘆 (Mt 18:15). If need be, widen the circle to 1 to 2 others. Only when the issue cannot be resolved should we bring it to the attention of the church leadership (v16-17). The goal of sharing the truth is not to win arguments, but to win people. Loving people means thinking very carefully about 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 we say 𝗯𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 we say it, or before we 𝘁𝗲𝘅𝘁 or 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘁 it. Especially if what we are saying or texting may sting, then we need to be even more careful and prayerful, to ensure that we are moved by genuine love and not by our own ego, pride or frustration.