Have I not written thirty sayings for you, sayings of counsel and knowledge,
teaching you to be honest and to speak the truth, so that you bring back truthful reports to those you serve? Proverbs 22:20-21

Speaking the truth in love should be the cornerstone of a Believer. We don’t do it often enough. Sometimes it’s truth we speak, but without love. We brandish the truth like a weapon. Example: Telling a 5-year-old that her painting is absolutely terrible or telling a woman that her dress is hideous. In both examples, there is a grain of truth, but without the slightest bit of love and sensitivity, it’s meaningless. Remember also, in both instances beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

At other times it’s love we speak, but it’s not rooted in truth. Example: Parents enabling their undisciplined children; or adult siblings ignoring the alcohol or drug problem of another sibling. In both situations, there is love but enabling the children and siblings is very destructive.

Daily we have opportunities to demonstrate truth and love. Pray that we make the most of those opportunities.