#1449. Maturity comes from speaking the truth in love (10/2/26)

Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional (posted, at present, every weekday) as we continue our Ephesians series: Ephesians - To the praise, for the purpose, in the power of God.

From Ephesians 4:15, we see that true unity, maturity, and spiritual strength grows as God’s people learn to speak the truth in love.

To watch this devotional, please select the link below:

1. Maturity comes through the truth

Paul teaches that spiritual growth depends on ‘speaking the truth in love.’ 

This begins with knowing and holding firmly to biblical truth - we can only ‘speak’ and pass on what we know!

Elders and teachers have a particular responsibility in this, but every Christian is called to grow in truth and to share it with others.

This verse reminds us that truth is real and knowable. In the name of ‘love’,  some are tempted to set aside biblical teaching—especially when it causes disagreement or discomfort. But love that abandons truth is not biblical love.

Earlier in this chapter, Paul writes:

Christian unity is built on shared truth. There are core beliefs that every Christian is called to hold, such as: the authority of Scripture, the Trinity, Christ’s death and resurrection for our salvation, salvation by grace through faith alone, God’s design for marriage, and the return of Christ. These truths, and others,  shape our faith and protect the church.

Without truth, the church becomes confused and vulnerable. 

2. Maturity come through speaking the truth in love

However, knowing the truth is not enough. We are called to speak it in love.

It is possible to say the right thing in the wrong way. Words that are technically correct can still be harsh, proud, or damaging. Scripture reminds us:

To speak in love means to speak with humility, patience, and care. Our aim is not to win arguments, but to win hearts and help people to grow.

Jesus Himself perfectly balanced truth and love. At times He spoke gently; at other times He spoke firmly. In every situation, He chose the approach that best served the person and honoured His Father. We, too, need wisdom and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit in how we speak.

Response

Do we believe that the church grows to maturity when we speak truth in  love to one another?Are we seeking to know God’s truth through prayerful study of His Word?Are we close enough to others in Christian community to speak into one another’s lives with grace and care?

Let us remember the power of faithful, loving words. God uses truthful, gracious speech to bring growth, healing, and freedom. Each of us has daily opportunities to speak life.

So, let us choose to speak the truth in love.

Community Group Notes

1. Notices

It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News. 

2. Icebreaker

Something that builds relationships and confidence to share; it’s good to regularly use this moment to ask the group: How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you? 

3. Worship together

Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.

4. Study and pray together

Balanced Time Allocation - Please ensure a balanced focus on discussion, SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite), and prayer so that each section is meaningful and fruitful.

On Sunday, we continued our new series entitled: Ephesians: to the praise, for the purpose, in the power of God. 

The summary of our message was:  As each part does its work - as each uses spiritual gifts in love - we are able to stand and serve in the storms of life. 

Please read Ephesians 4:14-16 and discuss:

• Personal Reflection – From Sunday’s message and this passage, what stood out to you? Was there anything the Spirit particularly impressed on your heart?

• If we remain infantile, what are the dangers we face?

• From these verses, what is a vital key to our growth?

• Take a moment to encourage one another by describing the different spiritual gifts that we see in one another. 

SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)

• From our text, why is using our spiritual gifts vital to our effectively reaching our community with the gospel? 

• Sharing Stories – Have you had any recent opportunities to Serve, Invest in, or Invite someone toward Jesus? Let’s encourage one another by sharing stories of how we’ve seen God at work through simple faithfulness.

• Practical Next Steps – Who might God be placing on your heart at this time? Are there any “people of peace” (see note) in your life—those who seem open, welcoming, or receptive to spiritual conversation?

Let’s Pray Together

• Let’s pray for one another in light of what we’ve studied and bring any other needs before God.

• Pray for courage, wisdom, and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit in our Serve, Invest, and Invite opportunities.

• Pray specifically for the ‘people of peace’ in our lives - that God would open hearts and deepen relationships.

• Ask God to work through us by His power, so that others may come to know Christ.