Course overview

Module 2 · Step 1 in depth: sin

Speaking the truth in love

How do we tell people the bad news without pushing them away? Practical guidance on tone, questions, listening and the bridge to the Good News of Jesus.

Lesson 4/4 15 min

Truth and love together

The apostle Paul tells us to speak “the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15). Both are necessary. Truth without love feels like a hammer; people defend themselves and stop listening. Love without truth feels nice, but it leaves people lost. Our goal is not to win an argument but to win a person for Christ.

Five practical principles

1. Pray first. Only the Holy Spirit can “convict the world of sin” (John 16:8). We speak, but He opens hearts.

2. Ask, then listen. Jesus asked many questions: “Who do you say I am?” (Mark 8:29). Good questions are: “What do you think happens after death?” or “Do you think God is pleased with your life?” Then really listen.

3. Include yourself. Say “we have all sinned” (Romans 3:23). Let the Word speak about your sin as well as theirs.

4. Be gracious and clear. “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt” (Colossians 4:6). Salt is not sugar; it gives flavour and preserves. Do not hide the message, but say it kindly.

5. Respect people and their background. Do not mock other faiths or cultures. Paul in Athens began with what people already knew (Acts 17:22-31). Respect opens doors that arguments close.

Wisdom where Christians are a minority

In places like Pakistan, speaking about faith can bring real danger, both to us and to the listener. Jesus said: “Be as shrewd as serpents and as innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16). That means:

  • Prefer personal conversations, built on trust and friendship.
  • Never insult the prophet, holy book or practices of another faith.
  • Do not pressure anyone; give time and pray.
  • Follow the advice of local church leaders.

The bridge to the Good News

The bad news should always lead to a bridge. A wonderful verse for this is Romans 5:8: “But God proves His love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

The same people described in the bad news – all of us, sinners – are the people God loves. He did not wait for us to become good. He came to us in Jesus.

“We have seen that all of us have sinned and deserve God’s judgment. But the Bible also says that God loves us so much that He did something about it. Can I tell you what He did?”

With this question, the conversation is ready for the next part of the message: who Jesus is and what He did on the cross. That is the topic of Module 2.

Check yourself

What does it mean to "speak the truth in love" (Ephesians 4:15)?
Which is usually the best way to begin a conversation about sin?
Which verse is a good "bridge" from the bad news to the Good News?
In Pakistan and other places where Christians are a minority, what is wise?

Practise

Write a short conversation (5-8 lines) in which you move from "all have sinned" to "Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). Include at least one question you ask and one moment where you listen.

Tips

  • Begin with a question, not a statement.
  • Include yourself ("we have all sinned").
  • Finish with Romans 5:8 and an invitation to hear more about Jesus.

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