This sermon series on the ‘one another’ passages of the Bible has been very good for our church’s soul. The depth of feedback that we’re receiving is phenomenal. Our people are seeking to apply these truths, and the stories of how they’re putting them into practice are a joy to hear. And let’s be honest…these sermons are convicting. But that hasn’t stopped our church from leaning in. I’m humbled to pastor a church that is eager to hear God’s word and apply it.
Receive with Humility
This past Sunday, we talked about speaking the truth in love to one another. Mature and stable churches are the ones that can speak the truth in love to one another and humbly receive the truth that was spoken in love. I spent most of Sunday on the first part of this. I’d like to talk here about humbly receiving the truth spoken in love.
I can say that many conflicts would be immediately resolved if we would humbly receive the truth that’s spoken in love to us. Too often, we’re immediately on the defensive and trying to justify our actions. Through the years, the Lord has taught me several things about humbly receiving the truth. Here they are:
- Assume the best, don’t impugn motives (because only God knows the motives). If a person is willing to come to you and speak the truth, believe they have your best interests in mind (time will tell if they don’t).
- Don’t consider the messenger, receive the message. Far too often, we judge whether the person is a friend, an enemy, or someone we should listen to, rather than listening to what they’re saying, more than who is saying it.
- If there is any truth in it at all, own 100% of that. Sometimes, we think that we must agree with everything that’s being stated, and we don’t. If there is any truth, even a sliver, own it all.
- Added to that, confess and/or apologize as quickly as possible. Don’t wait, and there’s no need to explain why you did what you did (unless the other person thinks that would be helpful). Many conflicts would stop here. No defense, just humility.
- If you don’t agree or don’t remember, but 2-3 others that you know remember it differently, then believe and trust their report. Sometimes we stay stuck in our narrative because we don’t agree. But I have found that when others whom I trust agree with the person bringing the concerns, I’m wrong. So, I try to believe and trust that God brought those folks into my life to help me change.
- Express gratitude for them coming. It takes a ton of courage to speak the truth in love to one another, and whether it’s encouragement or exhortation, express gratitude to them.
- Don’t forget where your true identity lies. The person’s approval or criticism does not define you; the Lord’s does.
From the cutting room: Here are some things I took out of my sermon.
Various ways we speak the truth in love to one another:
• Encouraging with specific gospel truth.
-Reminding Christians of the faithfulness of God in struggle.
-Reminding a weary Christian of the gospel.
• Admonishing or exhorting about sin.
• Restoring someone who has strayed.
• Give wise, truthful counsel…even if it’s hard.
• Confessing and owning sin.
• Affirming evidences of grace. Calling out visible fruit.
• Truth in love isn’t just content: it’s tone. It sounds like:
– Gentle (Gal. 6:1)
– Patient (2 Tim. 2:24–25)
-Kind (Eph. 4:32)
-Not quarrelsome
-Not self-righteous
-Not sarcastic
Different responses to different situations:
| Situation | Response |
| Personal offense | Private conversation |
| Pattern of private sin | Private correction |
| Public theological error | Public clarification |
| Public leadership failure | Public rebuke and response |
| Growth/fruit/service | Public encouragement |
If you cannot speak the truth in love, it’s important to keep quiet and not speak…especially to others. Take those concerns to the Lord, asking Him to change your heart. One key is learning to pray for the person you’re struggling with. Pray for their well-being and for God to shape and convict them. Pray for their good. Over time, you’ll find the Lord changing your heart towards. them.
When do we let love cover a multitude of sins? Is there ever a time to ignore something and just move on? Yes, as long as it doesn’t create a breach in our relationship, isn’t harming others, and you don’t feel like it’s a pattern in their lives. Jay Adams rightly said, “Love does indeed cover a multitude of sins, unless sin kicks the covers off.”
Looking Ahead
This week, we will look at the command to pray for and comfort one another from 2 Corinthians 1:3-5. This is one of my favorite passages. The Lord uses our trials to help us serve each other.
Cheap Seats
- This is a great way to start your baseball season: https://x.com/baylorbaseball/status/2022472215761948765?s=12&t=ANRRmEDhNWbghelISD7Rvw.
- A controversy in Olympic Curling?!? Be still, my beating heart. But I will say that short-track speed skating is intense. Wow, those people are flying.
- I was glued to the TV watching the men’s slalom, and then this happened: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOiot0hEFIE. He had a meltdown, and knowing that his grandpa died when the Olympics started makes your heart hurt.
- Good start by the Beavers (need a bullpen) and a great offensive weekend by the Aggies.
Christ is King!
In Christ,
Dave York
