Love And Truth Series

"Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth." - 1 Corinthians 13:6

In our modern understanding of love, it's easy to get caught up in the idea that loving someone means ignoring their flaws or tolerating unhealthy behaviors. However, this couldn't be further from the biblical definition of love.

In 1 Corinthians 13:6, the apostle Paul writes that love "does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth." This verse highlights the importance of truth and honesty in our relationships.

Love and Blindness

While it's tempting to turn a blind eye to the faults of those we love, the Bible teaches us that true love is not about ignoring the truth, but about confronting it with kindness and compassion.

In Proverbs 27:6, we read, "Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses." This verse suggests that true friends will speak the truth, even if it's difficult to hear, while those who seek to harm us will often flatter and deceive.

Love and Accountability

The Bible teaches us that love is not about enabling or excusing sinful behavior, but about holding one another accountable to God's standards.

In Matthew 18:15-17, Jesus teaches us how to confront a brother or sister in sin. We are to approach them privately, speak the truth in love, and seek restoration. This process is not about condemnation, but about redemption and growth.

Love and Forgiveness

While love requires us to confront sin and speak the truth, it also demands that we forgive those who have wronged us.

In Ephesians 4:32, we read, "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." This verse reminds us that forgiveness is not about ignoring the past, but about releasing the debt and moving forward in love.

Conclusion

In conclusion, biblical love is not about ignoring the truth or tolerating sinful behavior. Rather, it's about speaking the truth in love, holding one another accountable, and forgiving those who have wronged us.

As we seek to love others in a way that honors God, let us remember that love and truth are not mutually exclusive. Instead, they are intertwined, and it's only by embracing both that we can experience the fullness of God's love.