"Truth in Love"

Well, son, I know you think it,

But that doesn’t make it true,

Sometimes we try to link it,

To excuse just what we do.

You say you love this woman,

But I don’t see a ring,

And yet you’re living with her,

It may not mean a thing,

To you or her or anyone,

In your circle or your friends,

But it matters to the Good Lord,

And His rules have no end.

I don’t say this to judge you,

Lord knows the things I’ve done,

And I’ve failed Him many times,

When I was on the run.

But I am told in Scripture,

To speak the truth in love,

And you know that I love you,

And want God’s blessing from above.

So since you asked the question,

I’m going to say what’s true,

And then it’s your decision,

To choose what you will do.

And if you need a preacher,

I’m just the one, you see,

To help you to exchange your vows,

So married you can be.

I pray you understand it,

Though I wonder if you will,

There’s sometimes rage and anger,

When we talk about this deal.

I never want to hurt you,

I want God’s will and best,

I hope you understand it,

Though it puts you to the test.

God said that He created,

In His image he and she,

And the two would become one in Him,

That’s how it’s meant to be.

So, son, please think about it,

And what the Good Book says,

And ask the Lord to tell you,

The way He says it is.

The covenant of marriage,

The death until we part,

Is what the Lord intended,

And deep within the heart,

We know that He will bless it,

Through all of our mistakes,

And He will help us get it right,

His grace is what it takes.

“…Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ…” (Ephesians 4:15, NLT)

The truth without love only creates a negative reaction. Love without truth indulges behavior that the Word of God says is wrong. It is the godly combination of the truth spoken in love that offers the highest hope that people will change. This is the biblical formula for spiritual growth, and the maturity needed to lead a stable, grounded life in Christ. The world is full of instability, but the truth in love becomes our anchor.

Lord, help us learn to speak the truth in love, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Mary Ross Buchholz, maryrossbuchholz.com. Used by permission. Thanks, Mary, and God bless you.