Truth, but not love. Love, but not truth.

Considering the theme of the last blog I wrote, the need for us to walk in truth and love, I find this chapter very apropos.

For in it, we see the problem of having truth but not love, and of having love but not truth.

The Ephesian church had the former problem. They held to the truth that Paul had taught them years before. They had tested all those who had claimed to be apostles, and had quickly kicked out the false ones.

And yet, Jesus tells them,

But I have this against you: You have abandoned the love you had at first. (Revelation 2:4)

And because of that, Jesus warned them, “Your church will be removed from its place unless you repent. The light you’ve been given to touch the world for me will be extinguished.”

The Thyatiran church, on the other hand, had love (along with faithfulness, service, and endurance), but they tolerated false teaching which encouraged committing sexual sin and engaging in idolatrous acts.

And Jesus said that he would strike dead this false teacher who was teaching these things, as well as all who followed her.

Why? Because that kind of teaching infects and destroys the church from within, corrupting all it touches.

Truth without love is not enough.

Love without truth is not enough.

And if you have one without the other, your church will soon lose its light in this world.