Truth in Love #7
Posted on FaceBook Aug 16, 2020
KINGDOM TRUTH IN LOVE 7
HELLO, KINGDOM!
One final look at speaking truth in love. Sometimes the truth hurts and we don’t want to hear it. And yet, if given properly, it can be good. A friend pointed towards Galatians 2 as just such an example, when Paul rebukes Peter for his behavior towards Gentiles in Antioch. Peter had been fellowshipping with Gentiles, until representatives from James and the Council of Jerusalem came to visit. He then shunned the Gentiles. And Paul called him out for that behavior publicly. But Paul didn’t do that just for the sake of doing it. There was a reason, and it must be put into context with what was going on in Antioch at the time. There were many false teachers in Galatia, that had snuck in and were preaching that the Gentiles, in order to be saved, must first follow the Jewish law and be circumcised. So, Paul had gone to Jerusalem to confer with the Council and received affirmation that all were saved by the grace of God.
Following the Jewish law was no longer the path to salvation. Sometime later Peter, who was preaching the Gospel to Jews, came to live in Antioch with Paul, who was preaching the Gospel to the Gentiles. At first, Peter was associating with Gentiles, sharing meals, etc. That is, until James’s representatives came to visit. Peter disassociated himself with the Gentiles. That’s when Paul felt it necessary to rebuke Peter publicly, not to embarrass Peter. There was a larger purpose. Peter’s actions to pull away from the Gentiles gave an appearance of supporting the teachings of the false teachers, concerning following the Jewish law. Paul rebukes Peter’s behavior, gently, but rebukes none the less. He asks Peter a question (Gal 2:14,) “If you, being a Jew, live in the manner of Gentiles and not as Jews, why do you compel Gentiles to live as Jews?”
Scriptures never address what Peter’s reaction was, but Paul continues on to make the point that the Gentiles received the Spirit by faith, and not by the works of the law. Paul doesn’t belabor the point of Peter’s hypocrisy but moves on to the greater purpose of showing all that salvation comes from faith in Christ Jesus, not in works and following the Jewish Law. The writer of Hebrews 12:5-6 says, “And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: ‘My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; for whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives.’”
And Ezekiel 33:8-9 says, “When I say to the wicked, ‘O wicked man, you shall surely die!’ and you do not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at your hand. Nevertheless if you warn the wicked to turn from his way, and he does not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but you have delivered your soul.” Lastly, Galatians 6:1 tells us, “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.”
Scriptures tell us that we must strive in our daily lives to be Christ-like in all we think, say and do. Just as we as parents, discipline our children for their own good, and God does the same to us, we are also called to correct those around us who have strayed from the truth, but do so in a spirit of gentleness, in love. That is not bashing different groups on Facebook, gossiping, getting caught up in heated arguments with family, friends, or even strangers on the streets. Call on God to give you wisdom in responding to all things by speaking the Truth in love!
Be Blessed!