As followers of Christ, we are called to show love for others and the truth of Scripture in every aspect of our lives. Love and truth should be especially present in our marriages, where they serve as the bedrock of our relationship with our spouse. However, balancing love and truth can sometimes be challenging, particularly during confrontations.
When we speak of love, we refer to the selfless, unconditional love that Christ demonstrated for us on the cross. In a marriage, this kind of love manifests itself in patience, kindness, and a willingness to put our spouse’s needs before our own. It reflects the great compassion that Christ has extended to us by extending it to our spouse.
The ultimate source of truth is God’s word, so when we speak the truth to our spouse, it needs to be rooted in what God’s word says is true. Being truthful is about being open, direct, and sincere with our spouse, even when the truth is uncomfortable or difficult to express. However, truth without love can be harsh and damaging, while love without truth can be enabling and misguided.
To balance love and truth in our marriages, we must always strive to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). This means communicating honestly but with compassion and understanding. It’s not about ‘winning’ an argument but making resolution the goal of the conversation and seeking the good of the other person.
Part of balancing truth and love is approaching difficult issues as a team with your spouse. The problem is not ‘your issue’ or ‘my issue’ but ‘our issue.’ By seeing your spouse as a partner, you can help foster unity and cooperation rather than division and conflict.
In conclusion, balancing love and truth in marriage involves speaking honestly but compassionately, drawing on the truths of Scripture, and loving the other person like Christ loved us. Doing so can build stronger, healthier, and more Christ-centered marriages.
Chew on This:
Imagine that you are approaching your spouse with a difficult issue. In what ways might you be tempted to approach it in a way that is not truthful or loving? What are some ways you can fight against these temptations?
