VERSE OF THE DAY
Ephesians 4:15 (New Living Translation)
Share Audio
Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.
we will speak the truth with love we will grow like christ in every way our body becomes the church as we follow and pray
How must we live to be built up in love?
Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
What is Ephesians 4 talking about?
Paul exhorts the church about its “calling”, to live the whole life as a response to God’s summons, while maintaining the unity in the Spirit; this a common calling for every believer, regardless of rank or ability, focusing on one common Lord, Jesus.
What does the Bible say about speaking the truth in love?
Ephesians 4:15 counsels us to speak the truth in love. The context is the truth of the gospel, in the myriad ways that apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds and teachers share the truth of who Jesus is, what God has done and what God continues to do through the Holy Spirit.Aug 1, 2018
How do you keep the unity of the Spirit?
Through the hearing of God’s Word, He brings us to faith in Christ Jesus and keeps us trusting in our Savior. The way, then, to keep and preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace is to continue in the faith created in us by the mighty working of the Holy Spirit.Sep 26, 2018
How can I be worthy with God?
First, we walk worthy of the Lord by bearing fruit in every good work (Col. 1:10). Good works are anything done in faith for the good of others and the glory of God. It’s serving our neighbors with the humility and love of Christ.Sep 16, 2020
What is spiritual unity?
First of all, what is the meaning of “spiritual unity?” Some of the definitions for “unity” provided in The Merriam-Webster Dictionary include “the quality or state of being made one (unification),” “a condition of harmony,” and “a combination or ordering of parts … that constitutes a whole.” Meanwhile, “spiritual” is …Jan 14, 2021
What is the relationship between the Holy Spirit and the Church?
The church is the resurrected body of Christ that becomes sacramental reality in history through the invocation of the Holy Spirit which unites all those who believe the gospel and brings them into the new relationship of unity with God.
What happens when walk with God?
Walking With God Makes Things Possible
We are here to spread God’s love and light to others and spread the good news that he is our savior. When we walk with God, it may not make things easy but it makes them possible. Walking with him gives us assurance of his presence and power in our lives.
What does unity mean in the Bible?
Unity is a commandment of God. It is a law of the celestial kingdom (see D&C 105:3–5). As we live the gospel and love and serve others, we feel at one with our brothers and sisters and more in tune with the divine.
What are the benefits of unity?
The key to overcoming divisions or factions is unity, humility, love, and the fear of God. Unity or oneness also activates the power of God to operate in the human family and in the body of Christ (Acts 4:31). As the body of Christ, we can and should accomplish much in the service of winning more souls for Christ.Jun 4, 2020
What is the full meaning of unity?
the state of being one; oneness
the state of being one; oneness. a whole or totality as combining all its parts into one. the state or fact of being united or combined into one, as of the parts of a whole; unification.
12 WAYS TO GET CLOSER TO GOD RIGHT NOW
Whether you are seeking a greater purpose in life, are a new believer, or have walked with Jesus for a long time, these simple tips will remind you that getting closer to God is just one small act away. Spend some time with God today, and you will be blessed and refreshed.
1. Get quiet. Turn off the radio and TV, step away from your computer, put away your phone, and find a quiet spot to simply rest in God’s presence.
2. Read your bible. Underline, highlight, or write out passages, verses, phrases or words that speak to you. These are the gifts that keep on giving when you need encouragement down the road.
3. Write out your prayers in a dedicated notebook; these can be for others or yourself. Then spend time in prayer.
4. Go for a walk and talk with God. Share your heart: what is troubling you, what you are thankful for, and your hopes and dreams. He listens.
5. Meditate on Scripture. Choose a verse or short passage, read it several times, and invite the Holy Spirit to speak to you about what you have learned in the context of what’s happening in your life right now.
6. Put on some worship music and immerse yourself in the melody and lyrics. Sing along, dance…or just listen. Let the Holy Spirit minister to you.
7. Marvel at the world God has created. Walk in the forest, sit by a bubbling stream, watch a mother bird feed her young, or drive out in the country for a picnic. Let the experience soak in.
8. Journal what God has been speaking to you about today.
9. Share what God has done for you with a friend or family member. Witnessing is a powerful tool for our own spiritual growth, and pleases the Lord.
10. Do something for someone else without expecting anything in
11. Use the gifts God has given you. If He has called you to create, then create. If He has called you to administer, then administer. If He has called you to shepherd, then shepherd.
12. Fast. Fasting brings clarity of mind and combined with any of the above, gives you the potential for a remarkable encounter with God.
BONUS: Be grateful. Count, and thank God for, your blessings every day.
What does it mean to have a relationship with God?
ETERNAL LIFE is knowing God, intimately, personally. This shows itself through loving relationships. You seek with God’s help to love Him with all your heart and love your neighbor as yourself! This especially shows itself in your relationship to other members of His family. He gathers His family into local churches.
How can I hear God’s voice?
How to practice listening prayer
1. Come to God with your request for guidance. …
2. Wait in silence for God to speak for 10-12 minutes. …
3. Jot down any Scripture, songs, impressions, or pictures God gives you. …
4. Share how God spoke to you with your prayer partners and follow God’s will.
Jun 4, 2019

https://www.faithward.org › listenin…
Listening Prayer Guide: Hear God’s Voice More Clearly | Faithward.org
How do I grow spiritually?
Make a commitment to incorporate each one of these into your spiritual growth plan on a daily basis.
…
5 Ways to Strengthen Your Relationship with God
1. Humble Yourself and Pray. …
2. Read and Study Your Bible. …
3. Join a Group of Like-Minded Believers. …
4. Do for Others. …
5. Seek Out Your Spiritual Gifts.

https://tacomachristiancounseling.com › …
5 Ways to Grow Spiritually and Strengthen Your Relationship With God
How can I make my relationship deeper with God?

So, how should you begin to develop a deeper relationship with God?
1. Spend time with him through prayer and by reading his word. …
2. Talk to God everywhere. …
3. Develop a relationship with others. …
4. Listen to God’s voice and practice obedience to his word. …
5. Be Willing to Trust Him with your heart.

https://dailyshepursues.com › how-t…
How to Develop a Personal Relationship with God
QUESTION
What does it mean to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15)?
ANSWER
Christians often talk about the need to “speak the truth in love,” a command found in Ephesians 4:15. Many times what they mean is the need to share difficult truths in a gentle, kind, inoffensive manner. From a practical standpoint, we know that difficult things are best heard when our defenses are not up. In a loving, non-threatening environment, hard truths are more readily received. So it is biblical to share hard truths with others “in love,” in the manner that the phrase is commonly used. Looking at the context of Ephesians 4:15, however, gives us deeper insight on what it means to “speak the truth in love.”
In the verses prior to the command to speak the truth in love, Paul writes about unity in the body of Christ. He urges the Ephesians, and all Christians by extension, to “live a life worthy of the calling you have received” (Ephesians 4:1). He describes this life as one in which we are humble, gentle, patient, bearing with one another in love, and making efforts toward unity. Paul reminds his readers that we all serve the same Lord and are part of the same body. He talks about Christ giving apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers “to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12–13). Having reached maturity, we will not be spiritual infants, easily deceived, and tossed to and fro “by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming” (Ephesians 4:14).
In this context—of church unity and spiritual maturity—Paul writes, “Speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ” (Ephesians 4:15). Rather than be spiritually immature and easily deceived, we are to speak the truth to one another, with love, so that we can all grow in maturity. We are to train one another in truth—the foundational gospel truths, truths about who God is and what He has called us to do, hard truths of correction, etc.—and our motivation to do so is love.
The “love” referred to in this verse is agape love, a self-sacrificial love that works for the benefit of the loved one. We speak truth in order to build up. Several verses later Paul writes, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” (Ephesians 4:29). Our words should be beneficial to the hearers of those words. We should speak truth in love.
Paul also counsels “to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of you minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body” (Ephesians 4:22–25). As members of the same body, we should not deceive one another. We cannot defraud each other through lies. Nor should we attempt to hide things about ourselves out of shame or in an effort to manage our images. Rather, as those who are part of the same body intended for the same purpose and united by the same love, we should be characterized by honesty. Those who love must speak the truth: “Love . . . rejoices with the truth” (1 Corinthians 13:6). Dishonesty is unloving and abusive.
Speaking the truth in love is not as much about having a gentle demeanor as it is about the way truth and love go hand-in-hand. Because we love one another, we must speak the truth. Because we know the truth, we must be people characterized by love (John 13:34–35; 15:1–17). Jesus “came from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). As His followers who are being conformed to His image (Romans 8:29), we should also be characterized by grace and truth.
Importantly, we are also called to love those who do not know Christ. The best way we can show love is to share with them the truth of the gospel. Apart from Christ, people are dead in their sins and destined for an eternity in hell (John 3:16–18; Romans 6:23). But in Christ they can receive new life and eternal salvation (Romans 10:9–15; 2 Corinthians 5:17). This is a message we must share. Peter wrote, “In your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15). We share the gospel because we love the people for whom Christ died. We speak God’s truth because of His love and in a way that clearly and unapologetically communicates both truth and love (1 John 4:10–12).
FOR FURTHER STUDY
Words That Hurt, Words That Heal: Speaking the Truth in Love by Carole Mayhall
More insights from your Bible study – Get Started with Logos Bible Software for Free!
RELATED ARTICLES
What does it mean that Jesus led captivity captive and gave gifts to men (Ephesians 4:8)?
What does it mean that we should be bearing with one another (Ephesians 4:2)?
What are the unsearchable riches of Christ (Ephesians 3:8)?
Is there such a thing as absolute truth / universal truth?
What does it mean to put off the old man (Ephesians 4:22)?
What Does Ephesians 4:15 Mean? ►
but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ,
Ephesians 4:15(NASB)
Verse Thoughts
Paul explains that the gifts of the Spirit should not be abused for self-satisfaction, nor should they be used to indulge in ungodly, emotional experiences. The gifts of the Spirit are given to help equip other believers in their spiritual service; to edify the body of Christ and to help to perfect each member of the Church for the particular ministry to which God has called them.
He adds that the ultimate goal is to bring all believers into the unity of the faith and a knowledge of the Son of God, so that the body of Christ becomes spiritually mature as we are daily being conformed into a measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.. until He is all in all. But the maturing believer should never forget that faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.
Spiritual gifts are given for the specific purpose of conforming us into the image and likeness of Christ.. as is the Word of God, which is given for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.. so that every believer may be perfected in all truth, and thoroughly furnished for every good work.
When spiritual gifts are used correctly and the Word of God become the plumb-line for truth, the dangers of Christian immaturity; instability and gullibility that Paul identified in this passage, are avoided.. and believers are not tossed about by every wind of doctrine – nor led astray into ungodly practices; worldly pursuits; unbiblical teachings; false doctrine or demonic deception.
But when a member of the body of Christ has been hoodwinked by the enemy or strayed into some cunningly devised fable from false teachers; unbiblical teachings or worldly philosophies, we are exhorted to preach the Word in truth and to speak that truth in love – so that together we may grow is grace as we mature in Him – Who is the Head of the body, even Christ Jesus our Lord.
The purpose and plan of God from the beginning is that Christ is all in all. Being a Christian is not about you and it’s not about me!! The Christian life is not about ‘me’, ‘myself’ and ‘I’ but is all about the Lord Jesus Christ and God’s purpose and plan in bringing many sons to glory through HIM – by means of His sacrificial work at Calvary. In respect to the dispensation of the fullness of times, in which we currently live (.ie. the Church age), God’s purpose and plan is to bring all things into one.. in Christ – the things which are in heaven and the things which are on earth – ALL things in Him.. to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory in this day and age.. and also in the ages to come.
Although much of the Church has fallen into gross apostasy let us seek to use our own spiritual gifts as instructed by Paul – to develop unity in the faith; to increase in a knowledge of the Son of God and to bring all believers into spiritual maturity. And may the Word of God become the singular plumb-line for truth; for teaching, for reproof, for correction and for instruction in righteousness in our own lives. May the Word of God remain the only foundation upon which our faith is built – to His greater praise and glory.
Source: https://dailyverse.knowing-jesus.com/ephesians-4-15
Ephesians 4:15 Re-Examined: Speaking the Truth in Love
by Wes | May 5, 2021 | Re-Examined
What does it mean to speak the truth in love? This phrase comes from Ephesians 4:15, where the apostle Paul writes, “Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ…” As with any verse, this phrase is just a small part of a much larger context. If we don’t understand the context, chances are we are not really speaking the truth in love when we use this phrase.
A Fatal Assumption about Truth and Love
When we encourage one another to “speak the truth in love,” we tend to make the assumption that there is a natural tension between truth and love. We assume the truth is a “hard truth,” a word of correction or rebuke, and is juxtaposed with a posture of love. One of the problems with this assumption is that anytime we see two concepts as being in tension with one another, we tend to resolve the tension by emphasizing one over the other.
Some Christians resolve the tension in favor of “truth.” They tell others exactly what they think, unloading their “truth” on them like a cannon blast, but justifying themselves by saying, “I am motivated by love. If I didn’t love them, I wouldn’t tell them how wrong they are.” They see themselves as obeying the “truth in love” principle because they are motivated by love, even if the way they deliver their truth is anything but patient and kind.
On the other hand, there are those who resolve the perceived tension between truth and love by favoring love over truth. They hardly ever offer any sort of correction, because it feels like doing so would not be “in love.” Many Christians are riddled with guilt and anxiety, because they feel they should be correcting others, but don’t know how to do so in a loving way.
Perhaps our biggest problem is not that we are being too “truthful” or too “loving.” The problem is the assumption we have made that there is supposed to be a tension between truth and love at all.
The “Truth” of Ephesians 4
The first three chapters of Ephesians are filled with reminders about what it means to be God’s chosen people in Christ. Paul shares with the church how he prays constantly for their spiritual understanding and comprehension:
For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
In chapter 4, Paul begins to pivot to practical instruction. He explains that the truth of the Gospel, the truth he has been explaining for the last three chapters, the truth taught by “the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers” (Ephesians 4:11), is the truth that will equip and mature the church.
It is this truth, the truth about God’s grace and our hope in Jesus Christ, that Paul is encouraging the church to be “speaking” (Ephesians 4:15). He is telling the church to always have the message of Jesus on their lips. He is telling them that if they will constantly be speaking this truth to one another, they will be mature, understanding, and impervious to false teaching.
This definition of truth should make perfect sense, because Jesus said he is “the truth” (John 14:6).
The “Love” of Ephesians 4
Once we understand that the “truth” of Ephesians 4 is the truth of the Gospel, it is easy to see that truth and love are not in tension with one another, but are in perfect harmony. Loving one another is exactly how Christians are supposed to live out the truth we proclaim.
It isn’t enough for Christians to simply speak the truth of Jesus’ reign. We must speak this truth while living with, “all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:2-3). If we have been transformed by the truth we speak, we must, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).
Paul’s point is that if we will continue to speak the truth about Christ and live out the love of Christ, then we will “grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ” (Ephesians 4:15). Christians collectively mature to reflect Christ when the word of Christ dwells in us richly and we selflessly serve one another in love. When the church does this, the church “builds itself up in love” (Ephesians 4:16).
Conclusion
“Speaking the truth in love” means we are to be constantly speaking the Good News of Jesus and living in love. But what does that mean about speaking “hard truths”? Does this mean we don’t correct, admonish, and even rebuke one another? Of course not.
But we do have to stop making “truth” synonymous with “rebuke.” Speaking the truth to one another is not primarily about correcting one another. We speak the truth in love when we do things like:
• participate in a Bible study
• sing songs, hymns, and spiritual songs with one another (Ephesians 4:18-21)
• put our arm around a brother or sister and reassure them they are loved by God
There are times when someone’s behavior is “not in step with the truth of the gospel” (Galatians 2:14) and they need to be corrected by “speaking the truth in love.” But your words are only “the truth” if Jesus is at the heart of them. And your words are only “in love” if they are “good for building up” and “give grace to those who hear” (Ephesians 4:29).
I love you and God loves you,
Wes McAdams
What does Ephesians 4:15 mean? [⇑ See verse text ⇑]
Another sign of maturity in a Christian is the ability to speak the truth in love. Interestingly, the ability to promote what is right with the right attitude is directly contrasted (“rather”) to being immature and deceived. Immature believers can fall prey to the false choice of speaking truth without love, or speaking love without truth. The first problem promotes legalism; the second problem promotes depravity. God’s command is to grow in maturity, a progression which includes both action and information (Ephesians 4:11–12).
To speak the truth in love includes how Christians communicate with believers and unbelievers alike. Believers are called to live in harmony with one another as family. With unbelievers, we are told to be ready at all times to “make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15). There is no reason why a Christian has to be mean-spirited in order to be accurate when sharing our faith with others. Instead, we should speak the truth in love, letting God’s Spirit work boldly in us and through us to help others come to faith in Christ.
Context Summary
Ephesians 4:11–16 discusses both the gift of spiritual leaders and the importance of mature, loving, unified Christianity. Some people are endowed with gifts of teaching, preaching, and so forth. It is crucial to the health of Christian congregations that these members use their God-given talents appropriately. At the same time, different members of a church have different abilities. The community of believers functions best when all of those individual pieces are working together, through their unique roles. A healthy church is far more powerful than a ”big” church.
Chapter Summary
Truly understanding saving grace, as Paul explained in prior chapters, is the Christian’s first motivation for living a godly life. Here, Paul encourages believers to live in way which honors that gift. All saved Christians are part of a single, unified family, part of the ”body” of Christ. At the same time, different believers are given different talents. Some are called to positions of leadership and authority. All Christians should turn away from the ”old self” we were prior to being saved. Paul’s explanation of the ”new self” includes some basic, practical steps
Living Water Ministries 
