Infatuated with his crunchy onion rings, seven-year-old Jimmy sat contentedly in the restaurant with his parents. As he dissected an onion from its crunchy coating, he accidentally dropped it on the floor.

“Young man, you dropped an onion ring. Aren’t you going to pick it up?” inquired a persnickety woman from the other table.

“Why? Would you like it? You are more than welcome to eat it,” replied Jimmy.

“Jimmy, how could you say that? The Bible tells us to speak to others in love,” chided his mother.

“But I did speak the truth in love. She really is more than welcome to have it.”

Although Jimmy’s comment was rather comical, many adult Christians make similar mistakes. Often, we do not think before we speak. Our text tells us to speak truthfully and tenderly to others. In other words, we need to speak the truth in a way that is not offensive.

Do you feel as if you need to bring something to another person’s attention? Perhaps the way your husband leaves his socks all over the house is getting on your nerves. Maybe the way your siblings treat you makes you feel left out. Take the time to pray before talking to whomever you need to confront. When you take the time to speak the truth in love, you won’t end up in trouble for a runaway onion ring.