Is it okay for a Christian to give a person a "piece of their mind"? Does that contradict the fact that we are supposed to walk in love?


If you are referring to sharing your perceptions of the truth or your feelings with another person in the proper spirit, then yes, the Bible does teach honest, peaceful confrontation with others.

But, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head - Christ.... Therefore, putting away lying, each one speak truth with his neighbor, for we are members of one another.
(Eph. 4:15, 25)

If we share our feelings with people in a loving and caring way, then it will be healthy. On the other hand, we shouldn't give a person a "piece of our mind" as a result of frustration or anger with them. This type of behavior is not Scriptural.

"A fool vents all his feelings, but a wise man holds them back" (Prov. 29:11 NKJ).

The word vents means "to allow our feelings to come out unchecked or unhindered." This describes a person who loses control and "lets someone have it." The Bible states that this is foolish. The wise thing to do is to hold back those feelings and communicate in love with the person who is provoking you.

Don't allow your feelings to make a fool out of you; keep them under control. Uncontrolled feelings will only cause trouble for you and others, as "an angry man stirs up strife, and a furious man abounds in transgression" (Prov. 29:22 NKJ).


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