Speaking Truth

Ephesians 4:14-16 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

Picking up where we left off yesterday, I have to say that speaking truth in love was impossible until my heart was full of love. The rebuke issue must be left to the specifics of doctrine and not behavior. The work of conviction of sin is that of the Holy Spirit. Doctrinal issue are fellowship issues and the goal must always be unity, to fit jointly together.

1 Peter 1:22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:

As for sound doctrine, there are essentials and then there are non-essentials. Because there are different administrations, there will be differences in non-essential doctrines. Do you have a proper understanding of essential doctrines? Does your fellowship hold non-essentials in such high regard that they are confused with essential doctrines? These issue affect the function of fellowship not your personal salvation. They affect how we function together.

Titus 2:1-2 But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.

Doctrine is defined in two ways.

A principle or position or the body of principles in a branch of knowledge or system of belief.

Something that is taught.

Essential doctrines are principled, non-essentials are not.

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