25 September 2025
“But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into him who is the head—Christ” (CSB).
A mature church is not measured by numbers or programs. It is measured by its speech. As Mark said, “Here is the goal. Not just truth. Truth spoken in love. Not just growth. Growth into Him. Christ is the target. Christ is the measure. Christ is the goal.” Truth without love crushes. Love without truth deceives. Together they build up the body as we grow into Christ, our Head.
Paul contrasts immaturity with maturity. Immaturity is being “tossed by the waves and blown around by every wind of teaching” (Ephesians 4:14). But maturity is found when believers speak truth to one another in love. Mark explained, “A mature church is not known by its size. It is known by its speech. It speaks truth to itself. In love. It speaks truth to its city. In love.” Such speech reflects Christ, who is Himself both truth and love.
This balance is not natural. Our tendency is to lean toward one side or the other. Some of us are blunt with truth but cold in love. Others are kind in tone but silent about truth. But Christ calls us to bring them together. “That is maturity. That is Christlikeness.” To grow into Him means shaping our words to both reflect His truth and display His love.
Today, you can put this into practice. At work or home, choose one conversation where you combine honesty with kindness. Speak truth. Wrap it in love. As Mark urged, “It speaks truth to itself. In love. It speaks truth to its city. In love.” Such words strengthen the church, guard against deception, and help believers grow into Christ.
Parents, help your children learn this balance. Teach them that words can build or break. Around the table tonight, ask each family member to share one encouraging truth about another. In this simple way, you help them see how truth and love together reflect Jesus.
Discussion question: Which do you find harder—speaking truth or speaking with love? Why?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, teach me to speak truth in love. Guard me from harshness without love, and from kindness without truth. Shape my words so that they build others and point to You. Amen.
Watch the sermon here.
This devotional content is not penned by the preacher. It is derived from the sermon notes. We aim to provide bite-sized reflections throughout the week for devotion and reflection.