Now, I want to consider some potential pitfalls in how we relate to the Bible and other people. Like the first dangers, these do not imply that there is a problem with our deep love for God's Word. On the contrary, our love for God's Word is necessary if we are to really love others. Those who have a low view of the Word will come very short in loving others (no matter how loving they might feel). We, however, as those who know the Bible very well, are prone to our own specific ways of failing to obey God's Word in our relationships. (It is ironic that all these "dangers" are ways we are not obeying the Word we love).
Danger #4: Speaking the Truth without Love
It is interesting how we can love God's Word which tells us to love other people, but then not love other people. This is a further reminder of our indwelling sin and ongoing need of God's gracious work in our lives.
The truth of the matter (pun intended) is that God's Word calls us to use the Word in our ministry to one another and to have a spirit of love. When writing about our need to be grounded in the Word, Paul says,
"speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love." (Eph. 4:15-16).Paul also makes it clear that knowledge of truth without love for fellow Christians is rather empty. In dealing with the issue of meat sacrificed to idols, he says, "we know that...an idol has no real existence" (1 Cor. 8:1, 4). That is true. But, in this case, they were using their knowledge to benefit themselves with no real regard for loving their brother. "This 'knowledge' puffs up, but love builds up" (1 Cor. 8:1).
The danger is that we can forget that loving the Word and speaking its truth does not automatically mean we are honoring God. Truth must come from an attitude of love for God and love for others. This doesn't mean we will never say hard things. It does mean we will aim at humbly helping others grow and at encouraging others.
Two failures are possible here. First, I can speak the truth in pride. I can say truth to you in order to build myself up. I can aim at making me look smart rather than at encouraging you. Second, I can speak the truth in self-righteousness. I can get a thrill out of correcting others because I think I am doing so well myself (contrast with Gal. 6:1: Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted).
The solution is not to change the definition of love. The solution is not to stop saying hard things. The solution is to learn humility and to reflect on God's grace towards my sin and failures (Matt. 7:3-5). From this posture we will be better able to speak the truth in love.
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