Let’s speak the truth in love, so we grow more like Jesus
Sun 08 November 2015
| Bible Bite | Let's speak the truth in love, so we grow more like Jesus. |
|---|---|
| Date | 2015-15-8 |
| Passage | Ephesians 4:15 |
| Passage Text | 15 Instead, we will speak the truth in love. So we will grow up in every way to become the body of Christ. Christ is the head of the body. -- NIRV |
| Tags | Speech, Truth, Love, Jesus, Maturity, Church, Rejection |
| Other Refs | |
| Key Points | Context is Paul's call (based on first 3 chapters, therefore) to 'walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called'. Unity, grace given by God, He gave leaders 'to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ'. |
| Goal is spiritual maturity, so that we're not 'tossed to and fro'. | |
| ESV: 'Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ. | |
| We grow together, because we are one united body | |
| Props/Materials | A couple of letters/bills/notices, in envelope? |
| Preparation | |
| Debrief |
[ Introduction: leader picks child to knock on bin, everyone calls 'come out Stinky!', Stinky comes out singing his intro tune ]
STINKY: Hello little monkeys!
LEADER: Hello Stinky!
STINKY: Hello Mr Nathan! Hey, I need your help please.
LEADER: Sure. What is it?
STINKY: See this? [hold paper up] It's a letter from the library to my friend. He hasn't returned a book, so he'll have to pay a fine. The longer he takes, the more he'll have to pay!
LEADER: Oh -- why do you have it?
STINKY: Well, I saw it at his house and I could tell what it was -- so I took it.
LEADER: [Confused] Well ... you better tell him.
STINKY: Oh no! He might feel sad if I told him. He might even get angry at me.
LEADER: But Stinky, that's not kind. You should tell him the truth, that's the loving thing to do.
STINKY: [Nervous] Oh, I'm a bit scared... Can I practice with you please?
LEADER: Sure! OK... [Pretending to be Stinky's friend] Hi Stinky!
STINKY: Hey you dumbo! You didn't return your books -- now you'll have to pay! Ha!
LEADER: No, no -- Stinky! That's not a kind way to talk!
STINKY: But it's the truth!
LEADER: That's not enough. I want you to speak the truth in love.
STINKY: Oh.. truth and love? That's hard...
LEADER: Let's try again... Hi Stinky!
STINKY: [Gentle] Hey, I have some sad news. There's a letter from the library. You haven't returned some books, and you might have to pay a fine. But I want to be a good friend. I can help you pay for it if you don't have enough.
LEADER: That's it! You spoke the truth, and you did it kindly.
STINKY: Thank you! Hey Mr Nathan, I have a question.
LEADER: Yes Stinky.
STINKY: Well, how does God want us to speak?
LEADER: Ah! What do you think kids? [Take answers] Well, let's see what the Bible says:
[ Slide (verse): Instead, we will speak the truth in love. So we will grow up in every way to become the body of Christ. Christ is the head of the body. (Ephesians 4:15) ]
LEADER: See Stinky? God wants us to speak the truth in love.
STINKY: Oh... what's that mean?!
LEADER: Well, we speak the truth -- we don't tell lies or keep quiet when we should talk. And we speak kindly, to help people.
STINKY: Oh... but why should we do that?
LEADER: That's how we grow together, and become more like Jesus.
STINKY: Oh... but why should we become more like Jesus?
LEADER: He is our head. We are like his body, and we belong to him.
STINKY: Oh... but which truth should we speak?
LEADER: Well, all truth, but especially the truth of the gospel.
STINKY: Oh, I don't know... It sounds hard to do both. Can you really be truthful and loving?
LEADER: Think about it. Kids, who is the most truthful person in the universe? [God, Jesus] And who is the kindest person in the universe? [God, Jesus] Yes! Jesus always spoke the truth, and he was always kind. We can do both.
STINKY: Oh yeah...
LEADER: At church, we help each other grow more and more like Jesus. And how do we do that?
STINKY: By speaking the truth in love!
LEADER: Yes! Let's see our Bible Bite:
[ Slide: Bible Bite: Let's speak the truth in love, so we grow more like Jesus. ]
LEADER: Let's say it together everyone. [All read it]
LEADER: OK Stinky, it's your turn -- let's hear it.
STINKY: Ah... I love talking in the library, so I get kicked out.
LEADER: Stinky! Let's do it all together again. [All read it]
STINKY: Oh, I better go now. Bye bye little monkeys!
Category: scripts Tagged: Speech Truth Love Jesus Maturity Church Rejection