"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever is pure...Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me do: and the God of peace shall be with you." (Phil 4:8-9 KJV)

Speaking the truth in love provides an opportunity for growth.  If we despise expressions of truth we cheapen or prevent opportunities for maturity, and if we lack love we provide no safe environment for maturity.  So, we must speak the truth in love, and because of love. (Eph. 4:13-15)

-Teri Lee Earl

See also: "The Balance of Truth or Love" 

a brief expository by Teri Lee Earl
In the book of Revelation, Jesus reproved or rebuked the churches for lack of either one.  This page and our "Love" page, are extensions of that one.

See also our Unity and Nonsectarianism section.

About telling the truth and correction:

A DESPERATE NEED FOR CORRECTION
JUDGE NOT? - WHAT SAYS THE WORD?
(short chapter)
by Jacob Prasch

 The Cult of “Do not Judge” by Let Us Reason Ministries

Honoring The Truth-Teller by Roger Sapp  
    

Below is a collection of articles that counteract the belief that any type of exposure or open, public rebuke is wrong. These are especially useful as "anti-Shepherding Movement" teachings. For this purpose you may also benefit from Steve Lambert's on-line chapter, THE MYTH OF "SPIRITUAL COVERING" . 
 

brief portion  from Chapter 3  from a book called "Twisted Scriptures"	Two Kinds of Judging author unknown (short introductory article. More teachings linked at bottom)
The Untouchables: Are "God's Anointed" Beyond Criticism? by Hendrik H. Hanegraaff	Are Criticisms Appropriate? from The Berean Inquirer

People forget that the 'cleansing of the Temple' in Matt. 21:12-14 and the scathing sermon in Matthew 23 were both openly done, in front of crowds of people. The article below is full of zeal (Jer. 20:9 ; John 2:17):

THE NEED FOR OPEN PUBLIC CONFRONTATION by R. Johnston

See also our 
Spiritual Authority page and our Spiritual Abuse page 

To Reformation page