Honestly Kind-Worded

When I first taught the concepts we are discussing this week, I tried to think of a simple phrase to describe what we are trying to do.  The Scriptures say we should speak the truth in love, so that is the most Biblical way to say it.

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. (1 Peter 3:15-16 NIV)

The problem with that phrase is that I've listened as too many people use that phrase as an excuse to beat one another up verbally.  The "love" part of the sentence seems to get left out as "truth" is used as a billy club.  The thing is, we aren't ever supposed to beat one another up.  Jesus took all the beatings people deserved.

To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. "He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth." When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. "He himself bore our sins" in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; "by his wounds you have been healed." (1 Peter 2:21-24 NIV)

So, the phrase I came up with expressed the same concept but in different words: "Be honestly kind-worded."  The phrase stuck.  So far, no one has really twisted this in a way that separates it from the Biblical meaning.  So, we talk about being honestly kind-worded at Life Bridge.  It works for us.  Maybe it could work for you, too.  Of course, if you would rather quote Scripture directly, here it is.

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. (Ephesians 4:15 NIV)

How about you?  Do you remember Jesus before beating someone up verbally?  Does it help you stop? Do you use the truth to beat up on others, or do you use words in love?  Are you honestly kind-worded?