“Speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.” Ephesians 4:15

What mother tells her child to chew up a pill that is meant to be swallowed? Most likely the child would promptly spit out the pill because of its bitter taste. A loving mother smashes the pill and smothers it in applesauce so the pill goes down easier. Wisdom tells her that if her child spits it out, the healing benefit will be lost.

God calls us to challenge each other to spiritual growth, but if the challenge comes without love, it’s the same as chewing a pill that’s meant to be swallowed. As a wise believer, you should surround yourself with a few trusted friends who, beyond the shadow of a doubt, love you while your spiritual temperature is normal. Whenever you begin to experience a rise in your spiritual temperature, you can give them permission to challenge you in love.

We all falter from time to time. By preemptively choosing loving believers to monitor your spiritual temperature, you ensure that the truth you have to swallow will be given to you in love.

“I believe the Church is God’s primary way to accomplish His purposes on earth.”

[Excerpt from Believe: 31-Day Devotional by Randy & Rozanne Frazee, pgs. 15-16.]