Speaking the Truth
(Ephesians 4:15)
There are those who treat the truth as knowledge. They may claim to learn it, yet they fail to receive God’s love; they may claim to speak it, yet they fail to manifest God’s love. What we must clearly realize is that truth and love are inseparable.
1. In love
If someone asserts that they know God yet simultaneously claims that love is unimportant, they truly do not know God, for God is love. This love has raised us to life, and now it is our duty to share it; this task goes beyond mere words. In our deeds and lives, God’s nature must be reflected, and through us, people should come to meet the love of God.
2. Spiritual Growth
Church growth, as the Bible says, is not quantitative growth but spiritual growth. The key to church growth is how closely the church and its members resemble God. Neglecting spiritual growth while focusing on quantitative growth can lead to serious problems. As the number of members grows, so too does the likelihood of including those who still pursue worldly desires. Such individuals can contaminate other saints, potentially putting the entire church at risk.
3. Resemblance to Jesus
The church must continually strive to resemble Christ. Those accustomed to using human trickery and cunning craftiness must abandon such practices upon joining the church. Individuals who previously regarded truth only as knowledge should deepen their understanding of God’s love and manifest it in their own lives. Let us now forsake the desire to overwhelm others with profound knowledge. Let us humbly offer ourselves so that the love of God bestowed upon us stays vibrant and is faithfully conveyed to others. Let us speak the truth in love so that people can meet the love of God through us.
June 16, 2024
Overseer Sung-Hyun Kim
