Speaking the Truth in Love
Betty Heimbach
December 3, 2005
Ephesians 4:15, 25 But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body joined and knit together by every ligament with which it is equipped as each part is working properly, promotes the body's growth in building itself up in love. 25) So then, putting away falsehood; let all of us speak the truth to our neighbors, for we are members of one another.
Matthew 18:15 (Jesus said,) "If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the fault. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back."
Galatians 6:1 My friends, if anyone is detected in a transgression, you who have received the Spirit should restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness.
"Beloved,
“One reason you are now struggling with these problems is past disobedience. When I spoke My word to you, for you to speak to another of My children and and you did not obey and give the word – that was disobedience. You allowed fear of people and their response to keep you from speaking the Word I gave you to speak. You could have been an instrument in My hand, an instrument of change, an instrument of restoration in that life. But you would not.
“ You have also failed to confront problems as they arise –to address wrongs - for fear of confrontation with people. You have feared people more than Me, more than you longed to please Me. It is an act of love to speak truth from a heart of love. Learn to love while you learn to walk in truth - do it together - simultaneously.
“It is time for you to walk in a holy and awesome fear of disobedience to Me; and give up your desire to please others and keep the peace at all costs. Agape love, divine love does not mean that you never disagree with anyone. It doesn’t mean that you can’t speak the truth and confront problems. But it does dictate how you speak and the manner in which you confront.
“Don’t keep pushing down what are honest, godly reactions to those who are in error or sin. When you keep buttoning your lips when you know the truth and My Spirit has prompted you to speak that is not righteous. When you keep your lips closed and your tongue silent when you know by My Spirit you are to speak, you are no longer walking in step with Me. And when you put a lid on your emotions rather than speak honestly in love, then you are like a pressure cooker under too much pressure – in danger of exploding. Then you are apt to develop resentment or explode in anger and shame will soon follow. That is at odds with walking in love. It is not My way.
“But if you handle each problem or disagreement as it arises nothing will be too difficult for you to handle. Whether it’s annoyance with the rudeness of others, resisting someone’s attempt to control you and manipulate you, or speaking out against sin and error, trust Me, depend on Me and speak as the Holy Spirit leads you. If you allow these problems to build it can become unbearable and seemingly impossible to handle. Let Me show you how to handle these situations. Let Me give you a “righteous handle” to use in these problem areas: Walk in love while walking in truth. Place all concerns on My scale to balance truth and love, grace and truth.
“As a good parent, a godly parent, nurtures children they do not give love only. They balance love and discipline. They train by example and teaching. They speak truth in love, they model truth and honesty. So too are My children to live in relationship to one another. Prefer each other in love without compromising, without mincing words, without hiding from emotions or problems. It is all a part of love – holding each other accountable. I’ve spoken through My Word that you are to comfort each other, love each other and submit to one another. What is there to submit to if no one calls for accountability? How can there be true love without Truth itself?
“When you obey and speak what I give you – when I tell you it will accomplish My will - then give no thought nor have any concern as to what you see as a result. Hidden work is being done in those I speak to through you. Leave the outcome to Me. Be faithful to speak and act in love in all situations with patience and forbearance.
“When you hide your true feelings, your true reactions and keep silent rather than speak the Truth I have given you – you become a liar and unfruitful. My children are called to be a people of Truth. I have called you to beacon of light in dark places. When you encounter darkness in another, especially in of My chosen ones, and I speak to you from My heart - carry it out in love. Speak forth My word. It will bring blessing and unity not strife and division.
“Your present difficulty may not have occurred if you were walking in complete and quick obedience to Me. Are you ready to walk in quick obedience? Are you ready to follow My guidance as I speak to you? Be quick to hear My voice and quick to obey. Learn to be more sensitive to My desires and to pleasing Me than in the possible displeasure of others.
“I know your heart. I know your desire to please Me. But you lack a little. You lack the whole-hearted determination to follow Me at all costs – no matter what people may think. Get ready. Be prepared. Listen and obey. Listen to My voice and quickly obey what I speak to you without thought for what others will think or say. Focus on Me. And walk in love.
“Sometimes you will be unaware that I am using you to speak to someone. You will think it is only conversation. You will consider that you are only speaking things I have taught you or that you have gleaned from My word. But I can use your conversations, your sharing of what you have learned to speak a “now” word as rhema to the listener without you even knowing it.
“You want to ‘run with the horsemen’? Prepare yourself. Exercise faith in Me and My word and My ability to guide you in every situation. Trust Me. Keep your eyes and your ears attuned to Me and you will progress to running with the footmen. You will progress in this love walk. You are being prepared. You are being established. You are being perfected. Walk in eager obedience.”
Leviticus 19:17 Do not nurse hatred in your heart for any of your relatives. Confront your neighbors directly so you will not be held guilty for their crimes.
James 5:19, My dear brothers and sisters, if anyone among you wanders away from the truth and is brought back again, you can be sure that the one who brings that person back will save that sinner from death and bring about the forgiveness of many sins.
Bread For Hungry Hearts
Betty Heimbach
