In this first message from our mini-series, Living as the New Man, Paul moves from theology to practice. Having shown that believers have put off the old man and put on the new, he now explains how our new identity in Christ transforms our relationships within the body of Christ.
The first evidence of this new life is truthfulness. Paul commands believers to lay aside falsehood and speak truth to one another. This means more than simply avoiding lies: our speech should be marked by honesty, integrity, faithfulness, and love. Falsehood creates distrust and division, while truth spoken in love strengthens the unity of the church.
Paul grounds this command in our covenant identity: “we are members of one another.” In Christ, we have been brought into one body and given new hearts that desire to please God. As those who belong to the One who is Himself the truth, our words should reflect His character and help the body grow into the likeness of Christ.
Every conversation, word, and interaction will either strengthen or weaken the body that Christ died to save. Are our words building trust, strengthening our brothers and sisters, and reflecting the God of truth?