Paul told the Ephesians that God gave different people with different gifts to equip the saints for works of ministry. This was for the building up of the body, attaining the unity of the faith, and to mature so that the saints would no longer be children tossed to and fro. Paul did not allow much room for immaturity. “Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ” (Ephesians 4:15). According to Paul, Christ holds the whole body together through its various joints.
When each part (i.e. person) “is working properly, (Christ) makes the body grow, so that it builds itself up in love” (vs. 16). In other words, we speak the truth in love, we grow up with Christ holding us together, and we then build the church up in love. We cannot build each other up in love if we are not willing to speak the truth in love. Christ set the example for us by constantly speaking the truth in love.
He was never afraid to criticize, correct, or encourage his followers. Think about some of the phrases he used: you whitewashed tombs, hypocrites, chaff, thistles, etc. Here are some other phrases: I have not seen such great faith in all of Israel, your faith has made you well, blessed are those who. . .” Jesus spoke the truth in love always, whether that was building people up or warning them to flee from their sin. Love requires us to speak truth to people and to share the gospel message of hope and salvation.