It's not enough to tell the truth. Truth may be from God and of God, but truth used to tear someone down is not God's way. When you know about someone's sin, for example, God says we should confront our brother with hopes that we can bring him to repentance. It's not acceptable to go talking to everyone else about his sin behind his back. Spreading negatives about someone, even if it is true, is just as wrong.
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. (Ephesians 4:29 NIV)
Instead, we should be sending our words through yet another filter. The first filter only lets truth through. The second filter only lets love through. The passage you just read above here speaks of words that "benefit those who listen." The Greek word translated "benefit" here is "charis." This word is usually translated as "grace" or "gift." That means our words are supposed to be a gift to those who listen.
If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain. But godliness with contentment is great gain. (1 Timothy 6:3-6 NIV)
How about you? Do you use truth to tear others down? Do you have an "unhealthy interest" in arguments and fights? Or, on the other hand, are your words a gift to those who listen? Do you speak the truth in love?
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