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Read: Ephesians 4:15-16
Listen: Ephesians 4

Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. Ephesians 4:15

Paul compares the church to a body. Just as the eye is connected to the hand, all parts matter and are interconnected in Christ. The Christian life is about the whole body, not just about the individual member. When each part works properly, the body grows and builds itself up in love. Paul teaches that believers can either break or build the community by how they act and relate to one another. When lying and hiding are present, something breaks. Dishonesty is like an infection that spreads throughout the body. Jesus desires the church community to be a completely new experience and look different from the world.

Truthfulness sets the tone and makes room for others to be honest and live free. When we rest secure in the gospel, we can stop pretending and hiding. We build the health of the body when we are humble and honest, ask for help, offer a listening ear, respond with love and prayer and tell the truth in love. We deepen trust with each other and reflect Jesus to the world around us. Speaking the truth in love includes offering encouragement grounded in our new identity in Christ. It means reminding each other that we are loved, treasured, adopted and belong, making space to be vulnerable with each other.

TODAY: Write a note or send a text to another believer, encouraging them and reminding them of who they are in Christ. Thank them for something they’ve done that has built you up in your identity in Christ.