Ephesians 4:25-5:2 (NRSV)
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Verse 25So then, putting away falsehood, let all of us speak the truth to our neighbors, for we are members of one another. Verse 26Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, Verse 27and do not make room for the devil. Verse 28Thieves must give up stealing; rather let them labor and work honestly with their own hands, so as to have something to share with the needy. Verse 29Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear. Verse 30And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with which you were marked with a seal for the day of redemption. Verse 31Put away from you all bitterness and wrath and anger and wrangling and slander, together with all malice, Verse 32and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you.
Chapter 5Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, Verse 2and live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Devotion
Who wouldn’t agree with the writer to the Ephesians? Speaking truth is important. But the longer we live and function in relationships we learn that speaking truth is not always best. It can sometimes hinder communication or undermine someone else’s confidence. It can be perceived as a weapon. Others have pointed to the helpful distinction between what the truth is and how it is delivered. We also could add, for what purpose. Being careful about the purpose might shape our truth-telling and arrest our agenda.
Jesus did not shrink from truth-telling, but quite a few of his skirmishes with the religious authorities happened on the heels of quiet, prayerful time, in the wilderness or someplace away from crowds and disciples. In other words, his bold actions and truthful speech occurred after a space in time, after a lot of holy listening. That is what love does.
Prayer
God of the Universe, we pray for spaces in which to hear you. Amen.