Counsel #4 — Don’t Be Weird

Picture: Counsel #4 — Don’T Be WeirdCCL 107.1

Have you ever dealt with someone rude at your church? One elder believed everyone should hear his version of the gospel. He yelled and said mean things about people he disagreed with. His approach was pushy and even scary. He wrote a book and gave it to everyone at church, including new visitors. He even handed out copies at a wedding! Some thought he was just weird, but others found him rude and stopped going to church. Now, standing for truth is important, but the Bible also teaches us to be kind and gentle with each other.^{[136]https://www.adventistworld.org/love-is-not-rude/} Jesus spoke the truth without being rude or unnecessarily harsh. We're called to share His truth with His spirit of kindness.CCL 107.2

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” Galatians 5:22, 23CCL 107.3

“Jesus did not suppress one word of truth, but He uttered it always in love. He exercised the greatest tact and thoughtful, kind attention in His relationships with the people. He was never rude, never needlessly spoke a severe word, never gave needless pain to a sensitive soul. He did not censure human weakness. He spoke the truth, but always in love. He denounced hypocrisy, unbelief, and iniquity; but tears were in His voice as He uttered His scathing rebukes. Ellen White in Steps to Christ, p. 12.1CCL 107.4

Reflect: What is the difference between speaking the truth and speaking the truth in love?CCL 107.5