Dr. Aune Gives Devotion (and Biblical Exegesis) to the Board

On Friday, February 1, Dr. David Aune gave the devotion at the start of Ashland University's Board of Trustees meeting to board members, faculty, students, and administrators present. He examined the phrase in “Speaking the truth in love.” (Eph 4:15). "Paul turned the noun “truth” into a verb," Aune said to the Board. "[He] takes the standard word for truth (alêtheia) and puts it in an active, verbal form: Literally, 'Truthing in love.'" Aune went on to explain that "by phrasing it this way, Paul conveys the idea that truth is lived out --not just in words but also in one’s actions," and that, for Paul, there is a correspondence between love and truth.

"Our tendency is to think of truth and love as two ends of the spectrum, as if to be loving toward someone, we can’t be completely truthful. Or when we do the right and truthful thing, it may not appear loving." But for Paul, "'truthing it in love' always asks, what’s the motive for one’s actions." Paul's insight has particular relevance to the "Ashland University way," Aune contended.

"The phrase the “Ashland University way” prompts me to think of the tendency to err on the side of kindness and protect those who may have done wrong," Aune told the Board. "Is it the Ashland way to hide some truths at the expense of personal feelings. . . [and] pass over wrongs too easily.?"

To read his devotion in full - click here.