Following Jesus [Build] Devotions Day 4

Truth Spoken in Love

Devotional
Encouragement feels good to give and good to receive. But if that is all discipleship ever is, it stops being discipleship and starts being flattery. Real love tells the truth, even when it is uncomfortable. Paul was direct with Timothy about this. He told him to preach the Word, to correct, to rebuke, and to encourage. Not one or the other. All of it. Because a person who only ever hears what they want to hear is not growing. They are just being managed. This is one of the hardest parts of walking alongside someone. It is much easier to stay in the safe, affirming lane. But if you genuinely care about someone, you will be willing to say the hard thing. Not harshly. Not arrogantly. But honestly, because you love them enough to want more for them than comfort. And here is the flip side: if someone in your life has spoken a hard truth to you, receive it. Do not dismiss it. Consider whether there is something God is trying to show you through them. Discipleship that only encourages turns into flattery. Discipleship that only corrects turns into criticism. The goal is both encouragement and correction, held together by genuine love. That is what it looks like to help someone grow toward who Jesus made them to be.

Bible Verse
'Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear.' - 2 Timothy 4:2-3

Reflection Question
Is there a truth you have been holding back from someone you care about because you are afraid of how they will respond?

Quote
Discipleship that only ever encourages turns to flattery. Discipleship that only ever corrects and rebukes turns into criticism. We need someone who's willing to do both because they actually love us.

Prayer
God, give me the courage to speak truth and the wisdom to do it with love. Help me to be the kind of friend and disciple-maker who cares more about someone's growth than their approval of me. Amen.