Devotionals Detail

Ephesians 4:25-5:2

I always shudder a little bit when I hear someone say they want to “speak their truth,” because that typically means they want to share why they are angry about something. And truth is not equal to anger. Ephesians 4:25 tells us to “Speak the truth with your neighbor, for we are members of one another. Be angry, but do not sin, do not let the sun go down on your anger.” This means we speak truth with one another, out of respect in relationship of caring for each other. It means it is okay to be angry, but to let this lead to bitterness, resentment and slander is sinful. And I fear when someone wants to speak their truth it is because they have not spent the time to pray over what that truth actually is.

In a world of AI, it is hard to know what truth is anymore. Our eyes deceive us with videos of people that seem real saying the unreal. Media has such staunch opinions you can hear completely opposite “facts” supporting “truth” depending on what news channel you watch. The morality of our conversation has become based on if we agree, rather than deep listening to the heart of another. And all of it makes us angry. Understandably so. When we feel confused, unheard or misjudged, we get angry.

Mr Rogers would often ask children: What do you do with the mad that you feel?

It’s a great question for adults as well as children.

And I hope that our spiritual practice for this week – to spend 60 seconds in silence each day – might be helpful in our preparation to consider it. To spend a minute each day listening to ourselves, our emotions, our internal thoughts, even how our bodies feel might give us perspective of how we are holding our anger. For anger internalized can have negative impacts on our mindset, our relationships and even our physical health. The “truth” is that anger can be a catalyst to healthier behaviors, offering care and compassion to the world – IF it is properly managed. Anger that results in name-calling, back-biting, demonizing others or even manipulating situations is making room for the devil (Ephesians 4:29-30). There is no room for that kind of speech in truth telling.

For the “truth” is not an opinion, but a radical way of living – an utterly transformed way of being in relationship with others: as Christ centered, not me centered. “My truth” is not equated with Jesus’ truth. And if “truth” hurts rather than helps, if “truth” judges rather than loves, if “ truth” manipulates rather than builds up – well it is not the truth of Christ. So let’s take the time this week – 60 seconds each day - to center ourselves on the truth of Christ.