Genuine love goes beyond mere words.

Rev. Dr. Cecil W Thorn

True love is more than words; it requires action rooted in truth. As 1 John 3:18 (ESV) reminds us, “Little children, let us not love in word or speech, but in action and in truth.” Telling the truth to others, especially when it challenges or confronts, is an act of love because it prioritizes their ultimate good over our comfort. Truth spoken in love leads others toward understanding, growth, and alignment with God’s will, even when it feels uncomfortable in the moment. This kind of love refuses to settle for mere pleasantries or avoidance but courageously seeks what is best for others.

“The one who does not love does not know God, because God is love” (1 John 4:8 (ESV)). If God is love, then love and truth are inseparable. When we share truth with others, it must flow from the love we have received from God. 1 John 4:19 (ESV) says, “We love because he first loved us.” God’s love enables us to love others with sincerity, even when speaking difficult truths. Whether it’s addressing harmful choices or sharing the hope of the gospel, speaking truth shows that we care about their spiritual well-being and eternal destiny more than preserving superficial harmony.

Loving others through truth also means obeying God’s commands, for “This is how we know that we love God’s children: when we love God and obey his commands” (1 John 5:2 (ESV)). Love compels us to speak truthfully because God’s commands guide us toward life and freedom. As verse 5:3 assures us, “His commands are not a burden.” When we lovingly share the truth, we reflect God’s character and extend His grace. It isn’t about condemnation but about helping others see the light of Christ and the path to a transformed life. True love, grounded in action and truth, always seeks the best for others—even if it requires difficult conversations.


Showing God’s love when discussing difficult topics like homosexuality and abortion requires a balance of truth, grace, and compassion. It begins with recognizing that every person is made in the image of God and is deeply loved by Him. This perspective helps us approach conversations with humility and respect, rather than judgment or hostility. As we engage, our tone and demeanor should reflect the kindness and patience of Christ, ensuring that people feel valued even if they disagree with us.

God’s love is inseparable from truth. As 1 John 3:18 (ESV) says, love is shown “in action and in truth.” Speaking the truth about these sensitive issues is an act of love because it aligns with God’s design and leads to human flourishing. However, truth must always be delivered with gentleness and care (Ephesians 4:15 (ESV)). Our goal is not to win arguments but to point others toward God’s redemptive grace. Sharing how God’s commands bring life and freedom can help others see His heart behind these teachings.

Finally, we show God’s love by listening well and meeting people where they are. We acknowledge their struggles and experiences without compromising biblical truth. We extend hope by pointing to Jesus, who offers forgiveness, healing, and transformation. In every conversation, we should aim to reflect Christ’s love—a love that speaks truth boldly yet tenderly, and that seeks not to condemn but to restore and reconcile.


When discussing challenging topics like homosexuality and abortion, we are called to approach them with truth, grace, and love, reflecting God’s character. Scripture provides guidance on how to embody His love while addressing these matters. Below are key verses that offer wisdom on speaking truth in love:

1. Speak the truth in love

“Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.”
— Ephesians 4:15 (ESV)

This verse reminds us that truth and love are inseparable in the life of a believer. When we speak about sensitive topics, our words must reflect Christ’s compassion and care, guiding others toward understanding without hostility or judgment.

2. Let your words be gracious

“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”
— Colossians 4:6 (ESV)

Gracious speech means offering words that are kind, respectful, and wise, even when addressing moral or controversial issues. It ensures that the conversation remains constructive and points others toward the hope found in Christ.

3. Correct with gentleness

“And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth.”
— 2 Timothy 2:24-25 (ESV)

When discussing hard topics, we are instructed to avoid quarrels and instead correct others with gentleness. This approach leaves room for the Holy Spirit to work in their hearts, leading them to repentance and truth.

4. Love as God loved us

“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.”
— 1 John 4:7 (ESV)

True love comes from God and is the foundation for all our interactions. This love doesn’t compromise truth but seeks the good of others, helping them align with God’s design for their lives.

5. Proclaim the truth of life

“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.”
— Psalm 139:13-14 (ESV)

This passage affirms the sanctity of life from conception, reminding us of God’s intimate involvement in creation. Sharing such truths should inspire awe and a deep respect for human life while emphasizing the love and care God has for every individual.

6. Point to God’s design for relationships

“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.”
— Genesis 1:27 (ESV)

“Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”
— Genesis 2:24 (ESV)

These verses highlight God’s design for relationships and marriage. Sharing these truths should always be framed by love, focusing on God’s desire for human flourishing.

Summary

To show God’s love when addressing sensitive topics, we must balance truth with compassion. Scripture calls us to speak graciously, correct gently, and remain rooted in love, always pointing others toward God’s perfect design and the redemption available through Christ.


EXAMPLES

Here are some practical examples of how to show God’s love when speaking about challenging topics like homosexuality and abortion, guided by Scripture:

Homosexuality Example

Scenario: A friend shares they are in a same-sex relationship and asks for your opinion.

Response:

  1. Acknowledge their humanity and worth:
    • “Thank you for trusting me with this. I want you to know that I care deeply about you, and I believe you are loved by God.”
    • Reflect 1 John 4:7 (ESV): “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God.”
  2. Speak truth with gentleness:
    • “As a Christian, I believe God’s design for relationships is outlined in Scripture, and it’s meant to reflect His love for us. That includes marriage between a man and a woman (Genesis 2:24 (ESV)). But that doesn’t change my care for you, and I want to keep talking about this if you’re open.”
    • Reflect Ephesians 4:15 (ESV): “Speaking the truth in love.”
  3. Offer support and invite dialogue:
    • “I know this might be hard to hear, but my hope is to walk alongside you. Let’s keep this conversation going.”
    • Reflect Colossians 4:6 (ESV): “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt.”

Abortion Example

Scenario: A coworker tells you they are considering an abortion due to financial struggles.

Response:

  1. Show compassion and empathy:
    • “I can’t imagine how hard this must be for you. I want you to know I’m here to listen and support you however I can.”
    • Reflect 2 Timothy 2:24-25 (ESV): “Be kind to everyone… correcting opponents with gentleness.”
  2. Gently share the value of life:
    • “I believe every life is precious, including the baby’s life and your life. Psalm 139 tells us that God formed each of us in the womb, and He loves you and your child deeply.”
    • Reflect Psalm 139:13-14 (ESV): “You knitted me together in my mother’s womb.”
  3. Provide practical help:
    • “If you’re open to it, I’d love to connect you with resources or organizations that can support you during this time. You’re not alone in this.”
    • Reflect 1 John 3:18 (ESV): “Let us not love in word or speech, but in action and in truth.”

General Approach

  • Focus on their value to God:
    • Remind them that their worth is not defined by their choices or struggles but by God’s love for them.
    • “God loves you so much that He sent His Son to die for you. Nothing you face is too big for Him to handle.”
    • Reflect John 3:16 (ESV): “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son.”
  • Share your personal story if relevant:
    • “I’ve wrestled with understanding God’s truth and His grace in my own life. I’m here to share what I’ve learned and walk this journey with you.”

By showing empathy, sharing biblical truth, and offering tangible support, we embody God’s love while addressing these sensitive topics.


My Thoughts

In our spiritual journey, speaking truth and love are central to living out our faith authentically. The Bible teaches us to “speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15), reminding us that our words have the power to build up or tear down. When we speak with love, we offer truth not as a weapon, but as a tool for healing and growth. It’s easy to let frustration or anger guide our words, but in doing so, we risk hurting others and straying from God’s calling to love one another. True love doesn’t shy away from speaking the truth, but it delivers that truth with kindness, patience, and compassion, reflecting the heart of Christ.

In all things, we are called to be agents of reconciliation, showing that truth and love can coexist harmoniously. The world often presents us with challenges, misunderstanding, and division, but as followers of Christ, we are tasked with overcoming these obstacles by speaking truth boldly and lovingly. Each conversation is an opportunity to reflect God’s love and to speak His truth into the lives of those around us. When we balance truth with love, we not only honor God, but we also help others experience His grace and mercy in a powerful way. Through our words and actions, we can become a living testimony to the transformative power of both truth and love in a broken world.


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LIVING A LIFE FOR CHRIST

Living a Life for Christ: A Biblical Perspective on Devotion and Discipleship

Introduction Living a life for Christ is the ultimate call for every Christian. It encompasses devotion to God, loving others, and bearing witness to the gospel through our actions and words. Throughout Scripture, we are instructed to model our lives after Christ’s example and teachings. This article explores the biblical principles of living for Christ, providing scriptural references, theological commentary, practical examples, and guidance on how to align our lives with God’s will.

1. Understanding the Call to Discipleship

A foundational truth in Christianity is that every believer is called to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. Discipleship involves more than simply professing faith; it requires a lifestyle that reflects Christ’s teachings and character. Jesus Himself called His followers to take up their cross daily and follow Him (Luke 9:23). This means surrendering personal ambitions, worldly desires, and even comfort, in exchange for a life fully committed to God’s will.

Scriptural Reference:

  • Luke 9:23“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”
  • Matthew 16:24“Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.’”

Commentary:

According to theologian John Stott, the call to discipleship involves the complete submission of one’s life to Christ’s lordship. It’s a radical call that demands personal sacrifice and transformation. The Christian life is not about fulfilling personal desires but about living for the glory of God.

2. Living According to Christ’s Example

Jesus Christ is the ultimate model of how to live a life fully dedicated to God. His life on earth exemplified perfect obedience, humility, compassion, and service. As Christians, we are called to imitate Christ in all aspects of our lives, whether in our interactions with others, our work ethic, or our devotion to God.

Scriptural Reference:

  • 1 Peter 2:21“For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.”
  • Philippians 2:5-8“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.”

Commentary:

In his letter to the Philippians, Paul emphasizes the humility of Christ. Theologian N.T. Wright points out that living for Christ is not only about obedience but about embodying the character of Christ—humble, sacrificial, and loving.

3. The Role of the Holy Spirit in Living for Christ

Living a life for Christ is not about human effort alone but about the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Christians are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, who guides, empowers, and transforms them to live according to God’s will. It is through the Spirit’s work in us that we are able to bear fruit and live a life pleasing to God.

Scriptural Reference:

  • Romans 8:9“You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you.”
  • Galatians 5:22-23“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”

Commentary:

The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is a hallmark of the Christian life. According to theologian Wayne Grudem, the Holy Spirit enables believers to live out the righteousness of Christ by empowering them to grow in grace and resist sin.

4. Living a Life of Love and Service

Living for Christ is inseparable from living a life of love and service. Jesus taught that the greatest commandments are to love God and to love others (Matthew 22:37-40). Our love for God is demonstrated through our love for people, and this love is expressed in tangible acts of service.

Scriptural Reference:

  • John 13:34-35“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
  • Mark 10:45“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Commentary:

Jesus modeled servant leadership. Christian author and theologian C.S. Lewis wrote that true Christian service does not seek recognition but is done out of love for others and for God. Our service to others becomes a witness to the world of Christ’s love.

5. Suffering and Living for Christ

Living a life for Christ involves enduring hardships and suffering. Jesus never promised an easy life, but He assured believers that He would be with them in their trials. Suffering for Christ’s sake is an integral part of discipleship, refining believers’ faith and drawing them closer to God.

Scriptural Reference:

  • Romans 8:17“And if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.”
  • 2 Timothy 3:12“Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”

Commentary:

The apostle Paul writes extensively on the theme of suffering for Christ. According to theologian D.A. Carson, suffering for the gospel is not just an unfortunate consequence but an expected part of the Christian journey. Through suffering, Christians participate in Christ’s own sufferings and grow in their relationship with Him.

6. The Reward of Living for Christ

Living a life for Christ comes with both immediate and eternal rewards. Though Christians may face challenges in this life, they are assured of God’s presence and the eternal reward of being with Him. Living for Christ now also lays up treasures in heaven.

Scriptural Reference:

  • Matthew 6:19-21“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven…”
  • 2 Corinthians 4:17-18“For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen.”

Commentary:

The reward for faithful living is not necessarily immediate or material but eternal. John Piper, a well-known theologian, writes that Christians should live with an eternal perspective, where every act of obedience to Christ contributes to the joy that will be experienced in the presence of God.

7. Practical Examples of Living a Life for Christ

Living a life for Christ looks different in various contexts. Here are a few practical examples:

  1. In the Workplace: A Christian might demonstrate integrity and kindness in their job, working diligently and honestly as a witness to their faith.
    • Colossians 3:23“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”
  2. In Family Life: Parents are called to raise their children in the fear and knowledge of God, and spouses are called to love and serve each other sacrificially.
    • Ephesians 5:25“Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”
    • Proverbs 22:6“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”
  3. In the Community: Christians are to be a light in their communities, helping the needy, advocating for justice, and sharing the gospel.
    • Matthew 5:14“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.”

Conclusion

Living a life for Christ is the most fulfilling and meaningful way to live. It is not about achieving personal success or pleasure but about glorifying God through every aspect of life. As disciples of Jesus, we are called to imitate Him, live according to His Word, and depend on the Holy Spirit for guidance and strength. Whether through serving others, enduring trials, or seeking righteousness, our lives should reflect our commitment to Christ and our desire to fulfill His mission on earth.

Sources:

  • Stott, John. The Cross of Christ. IVP, 1986.
  • Wright, N.T. Paul for Everyone: Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. SPCK, 2004.
  • Grudem, Wayne. Systematic Theology. Zondervan, 1994.
  • Lewis, C.S. Mere Christianity. HarperOne, 2001.
  • Piper, John. Desiring God: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist. Multnomah, 1986.

CONTACT ME: [email protected]

About anything, comments to articles, questions you have, etc.



Copyright Notice © 2024 Rev. Cecil Thorn Permission is hereby granted, free of charge, to any person obtaining a copy of this work authored by Rev. Cecil Thorn, to distribute, display, and reproduce the work, in its entirety, including verbatim copies, provided that no fee is charged for the copies or distribution. This permission is granted for non-commercial distribution only.


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