RE Verse reading–Acts 20:17-35 (day three) “I am innocent of the blood of all men, for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God” (vs26-27) As Paul reviewed his life, he was glad for the times he did not back down from telling the truth. It is hard to do. Fear of people’s reaction, avoidance of tension or conflict is enough to silence most of us, most of the time. Two times in this short sermon Paul says, “I did not shrink” (vs 20, 27) which translates a Greek word meaning “to stand down”. One of the signs of Holy Spirit- filling is boldness. (Acts 4:13) The Spirit gives us the courage to tell truth even when it is unwelcome or unpopular. Strange irony. We are most generous when we are least concerned with people’s reaction to our words. We speak the truth in love. (Ephesian 4:15). Our gift to others is to not be afraid of them.
“Fear of man will prove to be a snare”… “If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Definitely agree that we must keep our eyes only on Christ and His Glory alone…. much easier said, however, than done.
I was thinking today that I often think I am speaking the truth in love when I am actually not. After all, what does that even mean? I am learning about cultured foods currently and was reading about making cultured vegetables. The author talked about preparing the vegetables, adding the starter culture and then…. skimming off any mold that might accumulate…. I thought, hold the phone…… what? and then continue on as if it was not there???
As I meditated on this today, it reminded me of the church and a huge area of failure for me. Just like with culturing vegetables, there is a chance of some badness getting out of control. However, what I need is eyes to see past the badness/help the involved individual through prayer/talking… whatever is appropriate…. and then just go on as if it had not been there (trusting God’s forgiveness and His work in the life of the person involved). Still valuing the person and hoping for their good…. hoping Christ will bring them into all He has for them… still loving them… seeing the big picture that they are dearly loved/valued by God. I truly think that very few people who “speak the truth in love” have anything like this in mind.
Crazy lesson source, really important lesson.