Chapter
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Verse

Ephesians 4:15

ESV Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,
NIV 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.
NASB but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, that is, Christ,
CSB But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into him who is the head —Christ.
NLT Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.
KJV But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
NKJV but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—

What does Ephesians 4:15 mean?

Another sign of maturity in a Christian is the ability to speak the truth in love. Interestingly, the ability to promote what is right with the right attitude is directly contrasted ("rather") to being immature and deceived. Immature believers can fall prey to the false choice of speaking truth without love, or speaking love without truth. The first problem promotes legalism; the second problem promotes depravity. God's command is to grow in maturity, a progression which includes both action and information (Ephesians 4:11–12).

To speak the truth in love includes how Christians communicate with believers and unbelievers alike. Believers are called to live in harmony with one another as family. With unbelievers, we are told to be ready at all times to "make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect" (1 Peter 3:15). There is no reason why a Christian has to be mean-spirited in order to be accurate when sharing our faith with others. Instead, we should speak the truth in love, letting God's Spirit work boldly in us and through us to help others come to faith in Christ.
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