A bouquet of fragrant red roses, a spray of white chrysanthemums, lilies arranged elegantly in a vase ˗˗ each of these flowers convey a certain meaning. Learning the special symbolism of flowers became a popular pastime during the 1800’s, when Victorians sometimes used the language of flowers to send secret romantic messages. A bouquet containing red and white chrysanthemums would convey the message, “true love.” White chrysanthemums symbolize truth and red symbolize love.

The apostle Paul chose to use the language of grace in his exhortation given to the Christians in Ephesus. The first three chapters of his letter to the Ephesians deal with the believer’s position in Christ; the next two urge them to walk worthy of their calling within the church, the body of Christ.

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. (Eph. 4:1 NIV)

But speaking the truth in love (in all things—both our speech and our lives expressing His truth), let us grow up in all things into Him (following His example) who is the Head—Christ. (Eph. 4:15 AMP)

The fundamental truths of our Christian faith are absolute. Truth is the bedrock of our belief and the element in which we are to live, move and have our being. But truth spoken without love loses its appeal, coming across as harsh and legalistic. Speaking truth into a person’s life can be challenging when it means confronting sin or error, which is why truth needs to be tempered with love. We are to love one another, as God commanded us. (1 John 3:23) Only through the Holy Spirit are we able to convey the truth in a loving way.

Little children, let us not love merely in theory or in speech but in deed and in truth (in practice and in sincerity). (1 John 3:18 AMPC)

The teachings of our loving Savior communicate most effectively with a spirit of humility, gentleness, patience and forbearance. Christ exemplified this perfectly. He not only spoke the truth in love, He lived it in His actions and attitudes. Speaking the truth in love is vital, but just as important is living it.

In the Victorian language of flowers, a bouquet of fragrant yellow jasmine symbolized grace to the recipient. When the truth of Christ is spoken in love, an abundant bouquet of grace will be more likely to be welcomed by those whose arms are ready to receive it.