116 Holding Truth in Love

Anchor of Truth

Episode 116 Holding Truth in Love

Paul tells us in his letter to the Ephesians that we are to speak the truth one to another in love and that this is a very important key in growing up into Christ. What does this mean in practical terms? How do we do this without compromise and without breaking relationships? Right relationships are critical in the working of God, right relationship with God, and right relationships with others. To avoid conflicts, we often choose to be silent on important issues where God is not silent. Then sometimes we get stirred up on a particular issue and speak out in such a way that the main result is broken relationships which are very difficult to mend. Is there an answer to this dilemma?

• Relationship with God is the foundation
  • We maintain the unity that God has made (Eph. 4:1-6)
  • Our unity is in God’s life
• To maintain our relationship with God we must walk in truth
  • Jesus is Truth
  • The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth (John 16:12-15)
  • We are called to walk in truth (express truth) (I John 3:18, 2 & 3 John)
• We are also called to walk in love
  • Love is the very nature of God
  • Love is expressed in a Godly care for others
  • Love is selfless (does not consider self)
  • Love is expressed in action (deeds of righteousness)
• If we hold truth separate from love it kills (2 Cor. 3:6)
• If we seek to love separate from truth we will compromise (Luke 18:18-23)
  • We cannot be afraid of losing the relationship by standing in truth
  • We must know God is directing us to address critical truth in His time and way
• If we hold truth in love God is there to sustain and reveal light to walk in (I John 1:7)
• How do we love Jesus?
  • Keep his commandments (John 14:15, 15:10)
  • Serve others (John 13:14)
  • Feed my sheep (John 21:15-17)
• It is not possible to love God without loving others (I John)
• Love is most fully expressed in the context of God’s structure in close relationships
  • In the natural family
  • In the spiritual family
• The power for love is
  • The indwelling God (the Holy Spirit)
  • A crucified life (dead to self-interests)
  • An active relationship of abiding in Christ
• Love is the final test of all things (it does not pass away—I Cor. 13, John 17)

• Additional resources at http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
• Theme song “Will Your Anchor Hold” sung by J. Ashley Milne
• Comments and questions welcome. Email [e-mail]