Jesus is the perfect example of who a minister should be. Jesus stood in the office of an apostle; He stood in the office of a teacher; He stood in the office of an evangelist and a prophet. He's the example of who every minister should be like, irrespective of your calling. And Jesus put love first-love, as He Himself commanded "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you..." (John 13:34).

The Bible makes it clear that even if a man speaks with knowledge and understanding but has no love, it profits nothing. It says, "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass..." (1 Corinthians 13:1).

Then what did Paul say? Paul tells us how to speak the truth. No matter the truth you are sharing, no matter the message you have for the body of Christ, if you cannot communicate it in love that people can say you have love, your message is not important. The Bible says, "but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things..." (Ephesians 4:15). It's truth spoken in love that inspires growth in the Body. Not just airing your view, not just talking because you have some knowledge. Words must be guided by grace. The Bible says, "Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt..." (Colossians 4:6).

If everybody spoke the truth in love, there'll be unity in the body of Christ. Instead, we are fighting ourselves. Everybody is talking-you can speak the truth in pride, you can speak the truth in hate, in arrogance, but you can speak the truth in love. Speak the truth in love, because love preserves unity. The Bible says, "with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Ephesians 4:2-3).

If you will follow the example of Jesus and choose to speak the truth in love every day, your words will build people and bring growth in the body of Christ. Let love guide your words, your correction, and your message. Make a decision today that you will not just speak the truth, but that you will speak the truth in love so that your life will produce unity, growth, and the character of Christ.