Truth in Love

By James Walker

Are you winning the argument or the person? Too often when we are witnessing to those in alternative religions and "earnestly contend[ing] for the faith" (Jude 3), Christians can win the argument but fail to win the person. The Bible tells us to "contend for the faith" not to be contentious for the faith.

Yes, we should carefully construct arguments, prepare documentation, gather proof, and plan biblical responses. But while doing so, we must always remember that we are not prosecuting attorneys inditing an enemy - we are saved sinners trying to rescue a fellow human being.

When I was a Mormon, I could always tell the difference between a Christian who was only trying to prove a point and a Christian who really cared about me as a person.

Yes, we must share the gospel with those who are lost in counterfeit Christianity. Part of our message should include reasons why their current faith is inadequate. As we share this truth, however, we must remember to do so in love.

This biblical principle is found in Ephesians 4:15. "But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ."

In context, the passage is discussing God's provision for Christian maturity and for avoiding deception and false doctrine. The mature Christian is to be "speaking the truth in love."

While this principle is applicable to all manner of communication, perhaps it is most important when we are confronting "every wind of doctrine," and false teachers who "lie in wait to deceive" (verse 14).

When witnessing to someone in a counterfeit Christianity we must have balance. We must have both truth and love.

More Love Than Truth?

We can not love so much that we fail to tell them the truth. It is always harder to share the gospel with those you love - family and friends who are lost. This is especially true of those who are in false religions. We love them so much we do not want to say anything that may hurt their feelings or jeopardize the relationship.

True love, however, mandates that we find gentile and kind ways to "speak the truth" to them. When we love someone we care about where they spend eternity.

More Truth than Love?

Likewise, we should not be so focused on truth that we forget to communicate in love. Whenever possible we should try to develop a relationship with those we are trying to reach.

To witness in love means getting to know the individual at your front door as more than Mormon missionary or Jehovah's Witness elder. It means taking the time to know them as a person. It means willingness to listen and patience when answering.
One goal of this magazine is that you may have resources for sharing effectively with those in counterfeit Christianity. It is my prayer that as you use these tools, you always remember to "speak the truth in love."

"And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth" (Timothy 2:24-25).