Title
Redeeming The Ugly Truth
Scripture
Speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head
(Ephesians 4:15)
Devotional
"You are ugly." That may be the truth, but it is not an edifying truth nor is it easily spoken in love. Here is the difference between the ugly truth and the truth spoken in love: The ugly truth exposes faults without correcting them. The truth spoken in love is always filled with grace and mercy. The ugly truth judges, measuring people against people. The truth spoken in love does not judge, but measures all with Christ. The ugly truth is venomous. The truth spoken in love is sweat to the hearer. The ugly truth seeks revenge. The truth spoken in love seeks restoration. The ugly truth says: "You're a no good for nothing sinner... going straight to hell." The truth in love says, "God loves you and has sent His Son to forgive you and save you from an awful place called hell and He desires to give you a home in a place called heaven. The ugly truth is black and white. The truth spoken in love knows that all sin is black and that there is none righteous, no not one.[4] The truth spoken in love understands the love of God and that mercy triumphs over judgment.[5]