Text: Ephesians 4:14-16
Paul tells us that as people who believe in Jesus we are to speak the truth in love. I like to call that “love-speak.” Love-speak is speaking the truth and doing so in a loving way. For example, I could say, “It’s a cloudy day outside.” I may say it in a nice way but is it the truth? No! So that’s not love-speak. Or if I said, [Say this in a louder angry tone.] “It’s very sunny outside you little pip squeaks.” I’m telling the truth but it wasn’t very loving was it? That’s not love-speak either. Love-speak is speaking the truth and doing so in love.
Today we are talking about God’s great love for life. Let me say some things about life and you tell me if it’s love-speak or not.
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[Speak in a mean, loud tone. You may want to speak it to the congregation so as not to scare the children!] “Jesus loves all the children in the world, red and yellow, black and white they are precious in His sight. Whether children are born or unborn they are precious to Jesus. When are you going to get that you silly people?” So, was that love-speak? No. What I said was true, Jesus does love all children regardless of the color of their skin or whether they are born or not, but I did not say it in a loving way and even called people names
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[Speaking in a calm, friendly tone.] Jesus has no use or purpose whatsoever for old people in nursing home beds. Was that love-speak? No. I said it nicely, but it’s not true is it? God gives meaning and purpose to every life.
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[Friendly tone.] God created every life shaping and forming them inside their moms. Was that love-speak? Yes! It’s true and I said it in a loving way. God did indeed create each of you inside your moms. That makes you and every life very special doesn’t it? Before you were born He knew you and loved you and couldn’t wait to have everyone see your face and your chubby little cheeks!
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[Friendly tone.] Jesus died on the cross for every life. What do you think? Was that love-speak? Yes! It was loving and it is most certainly true! Jesus loves everyone and He did die on the cross and rose again for everyone. You were “bought with a price” the Bible says. That price was Jesus’ suffering and death. That makes you very valuable and special. That makes everyone valuable and special.
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Okay, one more. [Friendly tone.] Every human life is a life created by God and for whom Jesus died. Is that true? Yes! Did I say in a loving way? Yes! So, it must be … love-speak! Yes!
God has given us the truth about life in His Word [Hold up Bible.]. He wants us to speak this truth—talk about it with one another. And He wants us to speak this truth in love. In other words, He wants us to use … love speak! Let’s pray. Lord Jesus, help us learn more about the truth of how special life is to you. Than help us use love-speak to share it with others. In your name. Amen.