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CARE RINGS small group study  12/04/07

 Speaking the Truth in Love

Ephesians 4:15, 25

These are frightening words - "speaking the truth in love."  When there is a need to be truthful, really truthful, with someone, how much love is enough?  Will our comments, backed by even the best of intentions, be received in the same spirit in which we make them?  How much "truth" is enough...or too much?

Being truthful is sometimes frightening!  Yet that is exactly what the Bible tells us to do.  We have assurance that doing what the Bible teaches about being truthful will be effective.  This promise is rooted in the teaching about relationships.  Let's see what the Word tells us.

First, however, what is the toughest part of your relationships with others?  Where do you struggle the hardest?  Is communication the most difficult?  How about honesty?  Or expressing your true feelings?

What Does the Bible Say?

1.  Summarize what the following verses teach about being truthful in relationships:  Ephesians 4:15 and Ephesians 4:25

       Ephesians 4:15:  Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. 

      Ephesians 4:25: Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body.

2.  In the 2 verses above, why are we told to speak the truth?

       a.   _________________________________________

       b.   _________________________________________

3.  How important is it to maintain good relationships with others according to Matthew 5:23-24?

      Matthew 5:23-24:  23"Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.

 What Does the Bible Mean?

4.  In Proverbs 18:19, why is it so important to be truthful and build relationships?

     Proverbs 18:19:  An offended brother is more unyielding than  a fortified city, and disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel.

5.  In Mark 11:25 and Luke 17:3-4 what other responsibility do we have in keeping strong relationships?

        Mark 11:25  For when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.

6. We know God's instructions on being reconciled with an offended  person.  List 3 reasons you believe we struggle with actually doing what the Bible tells us?  (Try to understand your own fears or old hurts that keep them from obeying these instruction?)

    a. _________________________

    b. _________________________

    c. _________________________

How Can I Use This?

7. From #6, name at least 3 or 4 ways we can deal with the things that keep us from being forgiving, or being "reconciled" (meaning, to be make right again) with others.

8. Read Ephesians 4:29 out loud.  What are some helpful things you need to start saying that will build others up?

    Ephesians 4:29: Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

9. Close in prayer, bringing anything to God that you need to do, and promise him you'll do them.