@LifehouseDSM #riddlemethisseries

Riddle Me This:

When does “speaking the truth in love” become “judging”?

Are there biblical guidelines to how much I should share my opinion about another person’s choices in life?

Ephesians 4:15(NIV)

15 Instead, 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.

Galatians 6:1a(NLT)

Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path.

Matthew 18:15-17(NIV)

15 “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. 16 But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ 17 If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.

Hebrews 12:11(NIV)

11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

Proverbs 13:18(NIV)

18 Whoever disregards discipline comes to poverty and shame, but whoever heeds correction is honored.

Proverbs 29:1(NLT)

Whoever stubbornly refuses to accept criticism will suddenly be destroyed beyond recovery.

Proverbs 9:8-9(NLT)

8 So don’t bother correcting mockers; they will only hate you. But correct the wise, and they will love you. 9 Instruct the wise, and they will be even wiser. Teach the righteous, and they will learn even more.

5 Factors in “Speaking the Truth”1. Know your audience.

1 Corinthians 5:12a(NLT)

12 It isn’t my responsibility to judge outsiders, but it certainly is your responsibility to judge those inside the church who are sinning. 13 God will judge those on the outside;

5 Factors in “Speaking the Truth”1. Know your audience. 2. The relationship determines your

responsibility to say anything at all.

5 Factors in “Speaking the Truth”1. Know your audience. 2. The relationship determines your

responsibility to say anything at all.

3. Your motive determines why and how you say what you say.

5 Factors in “Speaking the Truth”1. Know your audience. 2. The relationship determines your

responsibility to say anything at all.

3. Your motive determines why and how you say what you say.

4. The severity of the situation determines what you say.

Romans 14:13a(NIV)

Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another.

Matthew 7:1-6(NLT)

1 “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. 2 For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged.3 “And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own? 4 How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye?

Matthew 7:1-6(NLT)

5 Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye.6 “Don’t waste what is holy on people who are unholy. Don’t throw your pearls to pigs! They will trample the pearls, then turn and attack you.

5 Factors in “Speaking the Truth”1. Know your audience. 2. The relationship determines your

responsibility to say anything at all.3. Your motive determines why and

how you say what you say.4. The severity of the situation

determines what you say.5. Your moral authority determines if

there is cause to listen to what you say.

John 13:35(NIV)

By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.

John 1:14(NIV)

14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 1:16(NIV)

Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given.

John 1:17(NIV)

For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

Truth & Grace

We are at our best when we embrace truth and grace and refuse to let go of either.

@LifehouseDSM #riddlemethisseries