This post is adapted from a message I shared at a recent women’s retreat. Our theme was Speak the Truth in Love, based on Ephesians 4:14-15. My focus was on the “truth” aspect of that charge. Little did I know that immediately after the retreat, I would have the opportunity to put what I shared into practice! God is so good. He knows exactly what we need from His Word to equip us for what lies around the bend. All glory to Him!
Establishing Truth Together
First, what is truth?
The world tells us that truth is flexible, personal, or based on feelings. But Scripture gives a very different definition:
- Truth is Absolute and Unchanging
John 17:17 – “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.”
Truth is objective because it’s grounded in God’s unchanging nature. - Truth is Found in Christ
John 14:6 – “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’”
Truth is not just a concept—it’s embodied in Christ Himself. - Truth is Revealed in God’s Word
Psalm 119:160 – “The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.”
We don’t invent truth; we receive it through Scripture. - Truth is Exclusive and Divisive
2 Timothy 4:3-4 warns that people will turn from sound teaching to what suits their passions.
Speaking the truth will cost us because it confronts the world’s love for self-made truths. - Truth Transforms Us
Romans 12:2 – “Be transformed by the renewal of your mind.”
We don’t just know truth; we are changed by it.
We can’t stand firm in truth if we don’t know truth. And if we don’t speak truth, others can be swept away by lies. The enemy’s greatest tactic is deception, and the only way to fight back is to stand on God’s unshakable truth.
The Importance of Speaking the Truth
Ephesians 4:14-15 says:
“So that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into Him who is the head, into Christ.”
Speaking the truth isn’t just about confronting sin. It’s about being faithful to God’s Word in every area of life.
When Truth Comes at a Cost
During the height of the pandemic, I made the difficult decision to stand firm on God’s Word rather than conform to societal pressures. That choice cost me friendships, community, and comfort. Eventually, I left a church where I had served for years because it began making subtle and not-so-subtle compromises with culture.
As painful as that season was, it was also where I saw God’s faithfulness most clearly. He led me to a biblically solid church (the very one the ladies at the retreat and I now call home!) and restored strained friendships.
The truth is worth it—even when it costs us. God is always faithful.
That season also stirred in me a deeper desire to encourage women to stand firmly rooted in Scripture, no matter the cost. It’s actually a big part of why The Profound Brunette exists—and, well, here you are, reading it! This space has become a place where I share biblical truth, reflections on leaving an NAR-influenced church, hymn studies, studies of women in the Bible, and, most recently, a series on cessationism.
What Are We to Speak?
Today, speaking biblical truth feels riskier than ever. Yet we are called to speak:
1. Right Doctrine (Sound Theology)
The culture—and sadly, some churches—are embracing ideologies that oppose Scripture. We must be discerning.
Questions we should ask ourselves and one another:
- Are we encouraging each other to study the Bible in context?
- Are we warning each other against teachings that twist God’s truth?
- Are we reminding each other that doctrine shapes how we live?
Additional Scriptures to reflect on:
- 2 Timothy 3:16-17 — Scripture equips us for every good work.
- Colossians 2:8 — Beware of being taken captive by worldly philosophies.
2. The Truth of Christ (The Gospel)
The Gospel is offensive to a world that preaches self-love and relativism. But salvation is found in Christ alone (John 14:6), sin is real (Jeremiah 17:9), and true love does not tolerate sin (1 Corinthians 13:6).
Are we boldly proclaiming Christ as the only way, calling people to repentance, and standing firm against a feel-good gospel that leaves people in their sin?
3. Right Practice (Obedience and Holiness)
Truth isn’t just something we know—it’s something we live.
- James 1:22 — Be doers of the Word, not hearers only.
- 1 Peter 1:15-16 — Be holy, for God is holy.
Living out obedience will cost us promotions, friendships, popularity, and even acceptance in some churches. But holiness is not legalism. Legalism says, “I must do this to earn salvation.” Holiness says, “I obey because I am saved.”
The Risks of Speaking Truth
Standing firm in truth invites:
- Rejection (John 3:19-20)
Even close friends may turn away. I experienced this personally when I lovingly spoke truth into a friendship centered around an unbiblical support group. It was painful, but Christ is worth it. - Ridicule
Speaking truth, especially on gender, sexuality, or the exclusivity of Christ, can make us targets for being labeled hateful or narrow-minded. - Division
Even among believers, standing on biblical convictions can cause tension. But truth must prevail over comfort.
Take Heart and Stand Firm
We are not promised comfort. We are promised Christ.
- John 16:33. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart: He has overcome the world!
- 1 Peter 4:12-14. Rejoice in your sufferings for Christ.
- 2 Corinthians 4:17-18. This light, momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory.
Stand firm, sisters. The cost is real, but so is the reward.
Encouragement to Speak Boldly for the Lord
We have been entrusted with the greatest treasure—God’s Word. Let’s be women who know it, live it, and proclaim it. Even when the world resists, we serve the God of Truth, who has already won the victory.
He is worth it.
Discover more from The Profound Brunette
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.