loving is better than just being right

Today we read from Acts 6:1-15 in the One Year Bible. We read about Stephen, who was right.

Stephen told the people of Jerusalem all about Jesus, and he was absolutely right in what he said. The people couldn't stand hearing it, and they stoned him to death. That brings to mind Daniel from the OT, who was also right about everything, and got thrown into the lion's den for it.

The world also hates us for being right about things. But there's something we can do about that. We don't want to state things that aren't true, but we CAN state the truth in love. And love covers over a multitude of being offended.

So let's remember to speak the truth - but to speak it in love. If we do that, perhaps we can sway those who would normally hate us - over to our side.

God, please help us speak the truth in love.