First Community Church 08.11.24 Glen Miles -Sermon, Speaking the Truth in Love; Growing in Grace,

This Sunday, I continue my sermon series, Speaking the Truth in Love, with Part 2 - "Watch What God Does," based on Ephesians 4: 25-5:2. The biblical text concludes with this clear instruction, "Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, and walk in love." I deeply appreciate it when the Bible is clear and direct with advice like this. Whether you are Presbyterian or Pentecostal, Disciples of Christ or United Church of Christ, Methodist or Mennonite, this word speaks to all of us on how to live each day: Walk in love! The instructions are easy to understand, but walking in love can be a difficult challenge. These days, loud and raging voices, ones filled with fear-mongering and worse, dominate our airwaves, the internet, and print media, too. The temptation to forget about God's ways, to give up following Jesus, and to join in with the meanness is strong. Paul's advice here, though, calls on us to live as children of God regardless of what is happening around us. We are to be the ones who live in love and speak the truth. Jesus once said, "The truth shall make you free," but many preachers since then have added, "but not before it gets you in trouble." Truth-telling is not easy, but truth leads to true freedom. I'm looking forward to sharing this message with you. I know it is one I need to hear, and I am sure it will also be a hopeful word for you.