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The words “tough” and “love” don’t seem to go together, do they? But they do.
Most people view love as a caring, compassionate, tender, gentle, warm fuzzy expression of affection for another person. I Corinthians 13:1-8 is the Christian’s guide for how to love others with God’s love. Review it when you have a few moments. Life would be awesome if you and I loved each other and others with the love listed in the love chapter. The word tough is not in the love chapter. So, what is tough love all about? Does it have a place in human relationships? What about Christians and tough love? I am glad you asked. Tough love, according to Ephesians 4:15 is speaking the truth in love. Paul writes to the church at Ephesus and all followers of Jesus “but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects unto Him, who is the head, even Christ.” The context of Ephesians 4:11-16 is about believers in Christ being equipped for ministry, growing up in Christ, being mature in their faith walk, and fellowshipping with their brothers and sisters in Christ in unity, under the headship of Jesus. Truth telling, even in the body of Christ, can be tough t do! Honestly, who really wants to speak the truth in love to people we love when their life is out of order? But if we genuinely love them with the love of Christ, we will. How about the Lord Jesus? Did He practice tough love? I believe He did. When necessary, Jesus practiced tough love. He did not flinch in speaking the truth in love. He called sin sin and sinners sinners. He invited sinners to repent of sin. He called those who repented to follow Him in faithfulness as witnesses of the Good News. Make no mistake about it: Jesus loved, and loves everyone. But the Savior tough loved the Pharisees. He tough loved a woman at a well. Jesus tough loved hyprocrites. He tough loved those merchandising the temple, tough loved the accusers of a woman caught in adultery, tough loved the disciples when they were out of line and tough loved Peter who denied Him. The Lord did not shy away from conflict, controversy or confrontation. Jesus spoke the truth in love from a loving heart that cared that people like you and me would live better lives. Out of a heart of love, He called things what they were, hoping people would be saved for time and eternity. Love must be tough at times because life is tough. Sinful behavior has to be confronted with tough love. Parents can’t be patsies when their children are rebelling. Pastors may have to “tough love” erring, wayward sheep. Spouses must confront one another with truth when lies are destroying the marriage relationship. Brothers and sisters in Christ should share tough love with each other when appropriate so the body of Christ can remain united, pure, strong and fruitful. Tough love from people with tender hearts can touch hurting people in a significant, life changing way. What Tough Love Is Not
Some of the people throughout my life that I respect the most are the ones who spoke the truth in love to me. Their tough love in Christ showed me they really cared, caused me to pause and take a serious look at my life, and motivated me to make positive changes with the Lord’s help. I will always be grateful for brave, caring souls who confronted me with truth because they loved me with the love of God. Christlike, tough love from tenderhearted Christians touches people’s hurting hearts. Do you know someone you care about that needs a dose of tough love? If so, pray for God’s guidance on how to reach out to them. Make sure your heart is right. Let the Holy Spirit speak God’s love through you. Expect them to respond positively to your loving concern for them. “Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.”I Peter 4:8 A Word For Your Week: Love people enough to speak the truth in love. |
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