Thoughts on Today's Verse...
Truthful words are accurate. Words spoken in love can be a blessing. But truth spoken in love is redemptive: this kind of speech blesses those who hear it and matures those who speak it. While speaking the truth in love is often not easy, it's worth it! Look at God and see how painful it was to speak his Word in love by sending Jesus. But in that one sacrificial Word, God saved us and revealed his heart of grace, mercy, and love for us.
My Prayer...
Holy God, may the words I speak be truthful and loving. Please forgive me when I have told the "painful truth" to win arguments, to hurt feelings, or to impress others. Please forgive me for the times I exaggerated, distorted, or lied. I want my words to be simple and tender, truthful and loving. I want others to see your grace in how I speak to them. In the name of my Savior, Jesus, I pray. Amen.