{"id":1799,"date":"2015-01-27T11:49:13","date_gmt":"2015-01-27T16:49:13","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/prayerplainandsimple\/?p=1799"},"modified":"2015-01-30T11:15:33","modified_gmt":"2015-01-30T16:15:33","slug":"speaking-hard-truths-in-love","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/prayerplainandsimple\/2015\/01\/speaking-hard-truths-in-love.html","title":{"rendered":"Speaking Hard Truths… In Love"},"content":{"rendered":"

Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. Ephesians 4:15<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

This month we have prayed for\u00a0marriages, particularly\u00a0in the area of communication. God’s Word instructs us to “speak the truth,” but it doesn’t stop there. The added words, “in love<\/em>” are key. It’s easy to tell the truth. It’s easy to say, “You stink,” and mean it from our hearts. But to find a way to speak those words in a loving way is a different matter. Let’s ask God to show us how. Jesus was skilled in this, as He is in every virtue. He will show us how to communicate truth in loving ways.<\/p>\n

Father,<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

So often I spout out things that hurt my spouse. They may be true, and they may even need to be said, but the way in which I say them render them useless because of the pain they cause. \u00a0Clothed in love, the same message can be received to bring change and redemption. So I cry, help me out here! I need your love to cover me, clothe me, and inspire me as I speak the truth. Give me understanding. I ask for discernment to know what needs to be said and when, and what can be left unsaid until you give me the cue. Help me to leave it on the top shelf of your storeroom, out of my reach until further instructions. I am yours. My mouth is yours. May I be your mouthpiece, your spokesperson not a useless, harmful instrument.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Make me an instrument of your peace. And truth. And love. <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

In Jesus’ Name and by His Grace. Amen. \u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

We’ve designed a process called a Marriage Intensive that specifically focuses on renewing your vision and returning you to joy in your purpose and life together. The first step you can take is to simply learn more. This might just change your life. Click here:<\/p>\n

giantworldwide.com\/mjh-marriage-intensives<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. Ephesians 4:15 This month we have prayed for\u00a0marriages, particularly\u00a0in the area of communication. God’s Word instructs us to “speak the truth,” but it doesn’t stop there. The added words,…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":478,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[842,250],"tags":[677,366,76,884,1741,578,765,523,633],"class_list":["post-1799","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-prayer-for-marriage","category-wisdom-2","tag-communication","tag-grace","tag-healing","tag-instrument-of-peace","tag-love","tag-marriage","tag-pain","tag-truth","tag-virtue"],"yoast_head":"\nSpeaking Hard Truths... 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