Speaking the Truth in Love

Francis Schaefer, world renown apologist and pastor who founded L’Abri, was a brilliant theologian.  He was definitely way before his time in incorporating contemporary art, music, and all aspects of culture as “bridges” into identifying with and relating to secular culture.  He wrote many books and was a very loud voice advocating reform in the church following World War II all the way into the 70s.  He spent his life fighting for change, and we have much to thank him for in that regard.

The most amazing thing about him, however, was his unparalleled love for people.  The man may have been one of the busiest people on the planet, yet he willingly gave up hours of his time, at a time, to those who had questions or were struggling.  One visiting non-Christian related how he spent several hours patiently and lovingly speaking with him one on one in Schaefer’s den, and never felt rushed or that Schaefer wanted to be anywhere else on the planet but right there with him.  The crazy thing about this is that this was the rule, rather than the exception.

Schaefer modeled for us his philosophy of speaking the truth in love.  He had enormous mediums with which to communicate with hundreds or thousands of people through his book writing or public speaking, but he always valued personal conversation infinitely more than any of these.  Relationship, he said, was the most powerful way to impact a person’s life.

Thousands came through the first L’Abri in Switzerland, and today there are several across the world where this tradition is still growing.  Speaking the Truth in Love, however, is something that is not confined to a location, time, or circumstance.  It is what Christians are called to do in regards to each other and the world around them.  It kills me to read blogs or go on YouTube to see “Christians” (notice the quote) lambaste others who live differently or  believe differently than they do.  They are allowed to disagree, but why the hostility?

This principle is one I have tried so very hard to live by, both on this blog and in commenting on others.  The fruit and respect I have seen borne out of it has been nothing but constructive and… fun!  It has been so rewarding to be able to talk with people whom I so vehemently disagree with sometimes, yet from the foundation of mutual respect and understanding afforded each other.

I don’t know if this is something that Francis Schaefer said or not, but it sure fits the bill!  A friend told me recently that truth without love is abuse, and love without truth is neglect.  I cannot say how vital I feel this distinction is.  Conversely, it is also a very difficult balance to strike!  Sometimes, it can be very hard to remain loving, respectful, and understanding in the face of hostile and heated criticism.  Conversely, it is difficult to gently rebuke those we love and risk hurting their feelings or alienating a relationship.  It takes great courage and wisdom to do both well, but through patience and vigilant self awareness, it can be done!

I write this, not in rebuke to anyone, but as a statement of clarification and intent.  I love all you guys who post on here and am genuinely interested and eager to learn more about you and what you believe.  It has been an honor and blessing to do so thus far, and I am eager to continue these excellently constructive conversations.

God Bless!