Rejoices with the Truth

Love and truth are often portrayed as contraries. But Scripture regards them as fitting together (1 Corinthians 13:6; Psalm 85:10,11; Ephesians 4:15). This is important. Love without truth can become a vague sentimentality. It can end up giving people what they want, without ever asking what is really best for them. Truth without love can become harsh and even cruel. It can run rough-shod over people, without considering how to genuinely help them. We need both elements together.

The place that these come together is with Christ and His death on the cross. This is put forth as the truth and the only way to God (John 14:6; Acts 4:12; 1 Corinthians 1:18-25). But it is also the great expression of  God's love (Romans 5:6-8; 1 John 4:9,10; John 3:16). And our response to God's love is for us is to love others (1 John 4:19-21; 2 Corinthians 5:14,15; Galatians 5:13,14). But we are also required to stand for God's truth (Jude 3; Romans 16:17; 1 John 4:1-6). Now the two together change how we approach the situation (I Peter 3:15; 2 Timothy 2:24-26; Colossians 4:5,6). For it is only with both that we can do the work of God.