In today’s world, “love” is the most frequently used—and most misunderstood—word.
We are told that love covers everything. That love does not judge. That love means granting freedom, allowing everything, accepting without question. But in the name of “love,” sin is now silenced, and no standard can be upheld. We must ask: Is this the love the Bible speaks of?
Scripture never separates love from truth. In fact, love without truth is not love at all—it’s compromise. It’s an illusion built on falsehood.
John 1:14 describes Jesus as “full of grace and truth.” Grace was in Him, but so was truth. He embraced sinners, yet never permitted their sin. He approached the broken, yet never bypassed their brokenness. His love did not excuse sin but led the sinner to repentance.
In John 8, after telling the woman caught in adultery, “Neither do I condemn you,” Jesus added a crucial command: “Go, and sin no more.” His love immediately led to truth. The problem today is that we’ve erased that second part—and exalted only a partial love.
Love Does Not Destroy Standards
Our culture now puts love above all standards: “If you love them, you must understand,” “If you love them, you must accept,” “If you love them, don’t judge.” These slogans stand at the forefront of modern morality.
But such a mindset ultimately justifies sin in the name of love. Even biblical standards are diluted under the guise of being “loving.” The Church, in turn, is often framed as unloving simply for speaking truth. But true love doesn’t tear down standards—it invites us into them.
God loves us as we are, yes. But He never leaves us as we are. Love must lead to transformation. Love is not the freedom to stay unchanged—it is the open door to be changed.
Scripture tells us, “God is love.” But that same God also commands, “Be holy, for I am holy.” The love of God demands holiness. It is a love that paid the price for sin through the cross—not one that ignores sin altogether. So when we refuse to speak of sin in the name of love, we are no longer being loving.
True love begins with the courage to tell the truth. It is willing to risk discomfort. It is willing to be rejected. Why? Because only truth can save a soul.
Truth Without Love is Poison; Love Without Truth is a Lie
Scripture calls us to hold both love and truth together. Ephesians 4:15 says, “Speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of Him who is the head.” Truth only finds its meaning within love—and love only shines within truth.
Truth without love becomes a weapon. Love without truth becomes deception. The modern Church has, at times, alienated people by proclaiming truth without compassion. Other times, it has forfeited truth in order to appear loving. Both extremes fall short of the Gospel.
Jesus called sinners with love and changed them with truth. This is the order we must recover. Embrace, then speak truth. Accept, but call to repentance. Wait, but uphold the standard. That is the structure of biblical love. Today’s world elevates emotion and acceptance, but Scripture prioritizes repentance and obedience.
These do not conflict. When rooted in truth, love gains depth. When enveloped in love, truth becomes the power that gives life.
What Kind of Love Will You Choose?
Every believer stands before this question: Am I ignoring sin in the name of love? Am I losing love in my effort to defend truth? Am I, like Jesus, holding both love and truth together? This is not a question only for pastors or evangelists.
Every Christian is called to bear witness to the truth—and to deliver that truth in love. The world may cry out for love, but without God, that “love” becomes a hollow, self-centered illusion.
We must not compromise in the name of love. We must recover holy love—love grounded in the Word and centered on truth. Holy love is not judgment—it is the cry of salvation.
The world may misunderstand. But God remembers. “I delight in those who speak the truth.” When we refuse to be silent for the sake of love, when we boldly speak the Word because of love, God will use that place as a channel for the Gospel. And that love will be the power that saves souls.
Written by: Sion Lee
Maeil Scripture Journal | Today’s World, A View Through the Word
