Speaking the Truth in Love: Why We Still Need Truth Tellers

Ephesians 4:11‑16 might not be the first passage that comes to mind when you think about social media breaks. But in God’s providence, it’s the passage that’s been shaping my thoughts as I’ve prayed about returning after my month away.

Paul writes:

“And He gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 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, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.”

The Gift of Truth Tellers

Paul lists several gifts Christ has given to His Church—apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, and teachers. Each is different, but all serve one purpose: to build up the body of Christ in truth and love.

A prophet in biblical terms was one who proclaimed God’s Word faithfully, especially when His people were drifting. Their job was not to invent new ideas but to call God’s people back to what He had already said.

In other words, truth tellers are needed most when the train is going off the tracks.

Why This Matters for Me (and Maybe You)

Taking the month of July off social media was meant to be a sabbath. A quieting of the constant noise. At first, it was hard. My hand went to my phone almost without thinking, as if something urgent was waiting for me there.

It wasn’t.

Within a week, the stillness felt like peace. I wasn’t pulled into every headline, argument, or opinion. And strangely enough, the things I truly needed to know still found their way to me (yes even the “Coldplay” incident).

So as August drew closer, I began to ask: Do I even want to go back?

I’ve never been a champion for social media. It can feel shallow, loud, and rarely nourishing. But as I prayed, I kept thinking about my pastor’s recent words: “A prophet is needed when the train is going off the tracks”. And then I opened Ephesians 4 and was reminded that truth tellers—those who faithfully speak the Word of God—are part of how God protects and matures His people.

Speaking the Truth in Love

Paul’s vision in Ephesians 4 is not for truth to be a weapon, nor for love to be so soft that it avoids the hard parts of God’s Word. It’s for both to work together.

Truth keeps us from being “tossed to and fro” by every cultural trend or human scheme. Love keeps that truth aimed toward building up, not tearing down.

This is why the Church needs truth tellers.

And why, in a much smaller way, I’ve come to see my presence online differently.

The Kind of Truth That Matters

I’m not claiming to be a prophet. But I do believe I’m called to speak about the kinds of things God has pressed on my heart; rest, holiness, the body, simplicity, and obedience. Always through the lens of Scripture.

Not vague encouragement. Not just personal opinion. But biblical truth.

Truth that calls us back to Christ when we’ve been distracted.

Truth that reminds us what’s real and what’s fleeting.

Truth that helps us grow up into Christ, not just coast through life as spiritual children.

Returning with Purpose

So yes, I’m returning to social media. Not to chase trends or build a platform, but because the women God has placed in my life matter. And part of loving them well is speaking God’s truth into the spaces we share.

Ephesians 4 reminds me this is not optional for the body of Christ. It’s how we grow together into maturity. It’s how we keep from drifting. And it’s how we build one another up in love.

So I will keep listening. Keep resting. But also, keep speaking.

Not because it’s easy. Not because it’s popular. But because truth spoken in love is still one of God’s gifts to His people.